Monmouth County native and celebrity chef David Burke already owns and operates Red Horse in Rumson and manages the Drifthouse in Sea Bright. This April, Burke is opening THE GOAT in Union Beach — another Monmouth County location, which he says will be a “go-at-it” one-stop, fun restaurant, an easy choice for a local spot where guests quickly become regulars visiting several times a week.
Located at the former Piero’s, which closed in fall 2021, THE GOAT is an American bistro with a local vibe, which Burke said will serve his signature food in a fun, casual atmosphere. The opening is scheduled for early April and THE GOAT is accepting reservations for Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day.
Located approximately one-half mile from where Burke grew up in Hazlet, THE GOAT by David Burke is a neighbor with the Standard & Poor’s 500 company International Flavors & Fragrances‘ headquarters, which employs thousands.
Burke said he sees potential in the Bayshore area, which includes towns from Keyport to Highlands, and he is willing to invest there. He believes Bayshore is on track for continued interest and growth, which it has experienced in the past several years.
“Piero’s lasted for 30 years; that says something about the location,” Burke said about his investing in the area. “Somebody went to the Meatpacking District in New York first, right? Somebody had to be first in Asbury Park. There’s a 10-mile stretch of highway that is underserved. There’s a renewed interest in the area. People want to get out and dine out, and they are tired of going over to Highway 35 to eat at chain restaurants. We will draw from the local Bayshore communities, Staten Island, Middletown, Colts Neck, Red Bank and beyond. We are close to a GSP exit and there are lots of office and banks. Build it and they we will come. I grew up near here and I’m very excited about THE GOAT!”
Burke also said he is hoping to build a relationship with IFF, not only for its catering and dining needs, but also with its research food flavor labs.
Burke himself is a recognized inventor and U.S. patent holder.
The restaurant’s bar and dining spaces — with 110 seats, and a separate private event space that accommodates up to 100 guests — have undergone extensive cosmetic renovations.
THE GOAT was designed by Burke and will have goat-themed décor and original artwork. There is a partially open kitchen featuring a wood-burning oven that will be used for several dishes, including gourmet pizzas, roast chicken, vegetables and whatever sparks Burke’s imagination.
While this is Burke’s third restaurant in Monmouth County, it brings his total to seven owned in the Garden State and 18 worldwide.