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Veteran vegan restauranteur Omer Basatemur has opened his second location on Lake Avenue in the Lakehouse building, making it the only all-vegan eating establishment in Asbury Park. 

“Kaya’s Cafe is a satellite location of our restaurant in Belmar (Kaya’s Kitchen), with a menu more aimed at ‘on the go’ style cuisine,” Basatemur said. 

Opening a new business during the Covid-19 pandemic means adjustments of business plans. In Bastemur’s case, the hours are a bit more limited than he’d like. Kaya’s Café in Asbury Park is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hours will be expanded in the near future, he said. 

But those hours still leave plenty of time for vegans, and non-vegans who value healthy eating, to enjoy Basatemur’s cuisine without going all the way to Belmar. Especially those who may be pressed for time — and also desire more affordable vegan options. Not to mention that Basatemur offers breakfast in his Asbury location. 

“All menu items are designed to be prepared fast and fresh for folks who don’t have much time to wait around,” he said. “Phone-in orders are typically ready in 5-10 minutes, and we priced everything to be affordable, everyday food.”

Kaya’s Café offers take out and outdoor dining, and Basatemur says delivery is coming next. He also looks forward to having some indoor tables when indoor dining restarts. 

Examples of Kaya’s breakfast offerings include “The Jersey Devil” which is Basatemur’s vegan take on pork roll, egg, & cheese, as well as a breakfast burrito and French toast.  

And lunch/dinner options include gyros, cheesesteaks, burgers and sausage and peppers, as well as chicken salad with available sides like potato salad and pasta salad.

“Our targeted audience is the local residents and work force of Asbury Park who may not be able to get over to Belmar during the work day, as well as patrons of our neighbors like Swagger and Blade, Electric Tattoo, Lakehouse music studio, Russo music, and Boho salon, as well as many more,” he said. 

Kaya’s Asbury cafe offers many goods provided by local Asbury Park businesses such as Asbury Park Roastery, Nitro iced coffee and baked goods from the Desired Dish. 

Kaya’s Café is located at 619 Lake Avenue. Phone is 732-361-6545. Visit kayasvegan.com for more information.

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