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Renowned New York City restaurant Patsy’s is scheduled to open a pop-up restaurant in the Berkeley Hotel on February 5 to run through the end of April for a trial run.

So far, the trial has been a success — and the place hasn’t even yet opened. 

Just from initial press coverage, the restaurant is almost fully booked with reservations through the end of March, according to John Fudge of Spring Lake, an associate in the pop-up with deep roots in Asbury Park. 

Plans were for the restaurant to be open on Friday and Saturday nights, with a family-style dinner on Sunday during the day. Because of the demand, Patsy’s in the Berkeley will now add Thursday nights, Fudge said. 

Fudge’s father owned a clothing store in downtown Asbury Park called Jay David’s for almost 50 years, and he was the founder of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. Fudge himself was also later on the board of the chamber.

From going to Patsy’s in New York, Fudge has been friends for years with Sal Scognamillo, who with his wife Lisa are the third-generation owners of Patsy’s. 

“Sal called me about three months ago and said since they’re shutting us down in New York (because of Covid), I’d like to do something in another state,” said Fudge. “Then he says to me ‘What do you know about Asbury Park?’” 

At that point, Fudge laughed and reeled off his connections to the city, including that Mayor John Moor once worked for his father. A call was set up with Moor to get some information about possibilities, and it was Moor who suggested they contact the Berkeley, Fudge said. 

“He couldn’t have been nicer,” said Fudge of Moor’s input on the call. “Since my parents were engaged in the Berkeley, I told Sal I think I know about the Berkeley.”

An agreement was easily negotiated with the Berkeley Hotel and Patsy’s will start serving with 50 seats in one of the second floor bar areas. The Sunday family meals will be in an adjoining ballroom. If Covid restrictions are eased, the plans are for more seating to accommodate what already appears to be significant demand. 

The restaurant will have its own entrance on the north side of the building, with valet parking. Reservations can be made through Resy here.Or call 609-435-3100 for reservations or more information.

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