Robert and Michelle Fishman
Rob -Proprietor since 1989
Rob Fishman, a native of Bradley Beach, NJ, has owned the Avon Pavilion since 1980 . At age 18, he began operating several boardwalk restaurants in the summer months while obtaining a Bachelors Degree at Rutgers University. Rob went on to study at Rutgers School of Law, however, it was not long before he realized his true passion was in the restaurant business. He returned to the Shore to make his vision, a reality
Throughout the 1980’s, Rob managed numerous concessions along the Jersey coast and in 1989, began operating the Avon Pavilion serving standard beach fare at the time. With Executive Chef Ken Samuels at the helm, they transformed the beach concession to include a fine dining restaurant. Although he incorporated an upscale menu, Rob still wanted the Pavilion to maintain the nostalgic feel of growing up on the Jersey Shore boardwalk where the entire neighborhood would stroll on the boards and relax over triple-decker ice cream cones. He keeps pastime favorites on the menu to this day, like Brooklyn’s original U-Bet Chocolate syrup for Dad’s favorite egg cream and original grilled Sabrette frankfurters with fresh kraut. When it came time to renovate the historic building, Rob worked from a 1930’s postcard photo he discovered at a postcard tradeshow. He kept the traditional boardwalk grille and ice cream parlor with walk- up windows from the beach and removed sheetrock revealing a row of hidden antique transom windows in the dining room space.
Rob Fishman’s philosophy has always been simple: to provide his guests with an exceptional seaside dining experience. He hires bright, motivated team members and is committed to serving the highest quality cuisine in a relaxed beachfront setting. The Avon Pavilion uses only the freshest ingredients, local farm stand produce, homemade sauces and fresh-caught seafood. In addition to the Avon Pavilion restaurant, he has several clothing and beachwear boutiques operated by Sari Perlstein. Rob takes great pride in his entire team and attributes the Pavilion’s 20-year, ongoing success to their dedication and hard work.
Michelle- Business Manager since 2003
Michelle Krueger-Fishman, grew up on the beaches of Manasquan, NJ. She studied Computer Science and pursued a career in Information Technology Sales and Consulting in Manhattan for many years before moving her office back to the Jersey Shore in 1999. Michelle and Rob married in 2005. Beyond accounting and business management, Michelle organizes Avon Pavilions charity support for environmental and humanitarian causes such as Clean Ocean Action, The Foodbank and Surfers for Autism. As a recent cancer survivor, Michelle along with the entire Avon Pavilion family, are exceptionally dedicated to the cause, donating time, research funds and meals to organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Live STRONG, Camp Quality Pediatric Care and Mary’s-Place-by-the-Sea Cancer Retreat Center of Ocean Grove. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests for helping us, help the world.
Lena and Joe Fishman
Mamma and Pappa Fishman are the heart and soul of the Avon Pavilion. They have helped Rob run his businesses his entire career, from flipping burgers at the Jetty Joint, maintaining the buildings, seating the guests, to taking care of the hundreds of employees, over 30 years, like their own children. The Fishman family has a long and beloved history at the Jersey Shore, dating back to the early 1900’s when their parents emigrated to Asbury Park, NJ. Lena Fishman retired after 42 years as a 3rd grade school teacher in Bradley Beach, NJ . Joe Fishman majored in Biology at Yale University and was a Professor of Marine Biology at Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University. The one thing you can always count on at the Avon Pavilion, is Mamma and Pappa Fish.
Executive Chef Ken Samuels
Ken Samuels, born and raised in Asbury Park, NJ, has been Executive Chef at the Avon Pavilion since 1991. Upon graduating with top honors from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he completed his apprenticeship at the internationally renowned Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Florida. Ken honed his culinary skills as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage for NCC Corporation and returned to the Jersey Shore as Executive Chef of J.Piancone’s, Bradley Beach, NJ. In the early 1990’s, Rob Fishman recognized that the locally renowned, exceptionally talented Chef Ken Samuels required his own kitchen and team to take his culinary expertise to a world-class level. For almost two decades now, Ken has distinguished himself as a Culinary Maestro on the East Coast where locals and shore visitors alike line up year after year to savor Chef Ken’s seasonally inspired, innovative cuisine.
Lisa Vandenbos Hosley
For almost 20 years, Executive Manager Lisa Vandenbos-Hosley, a native of the Jersey Shore, has played a vital role in the success of the Avon Pavilion. Lisa obtained a vast amount of restaurant experience early on in her career and in 1992, assisted Rob Fishman in developing the business model for operating and managing the restaurant. Lisa set the highest standards for employee hiring and training, managed day-to-day operations and quickly became Executive Manager for the entire organization. She continues to implement and improve upon those standards today. Lisa is married, has two daughters, a step son and two beautiful grandsons Owen and Chase. Lisa is also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, the only source of contention amongst the staff.
Lauren Brutsman, Jordan Moran, and Lindsay Cusick
Lauren Brutsman, also a Shore native, has dedicated over 15 years to the Avon Pavilion as a Senior Manager and is accomplished in every aspect of the business, from operations, management, employee training, to customer service, restaurant design and business administration. Lauren attended Wagner College, Staten Island, on a basketball scholarship, earned a degree in Business and an MBA in Finance. Employed as Brookdale Community College’s Student Life and Activities Administrator, Lauren is also recognized as THE ultimate activities director for both her college students and the Avon Pavilion team.
Jordan Moran, began scooping ice cream in 1995 at the take-out counter as a teenager and worked her way up with great determination, to her current Management position. Jordan attended High Point University in North Carolina and is continuing to obtain a bachelors’ degree in Criminal Justice
Lindsay Cusick is the newest member of our Management team, having worked throughout the restaurant in many capacities since she was 14 years old. Lindsay’s work ethic and fortitude are inspirational at the Avon Pavilion. She is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics / minor in Business Administration at Monmouth University.
Sari Perlstein
Since the inception of the Avon Pavilion Corporation 20 years ago, Sari Perlstein has been Executive Buyer and Operator of the clothing and swimwear boutiques in both Avon by-the-Sea and Belmar, NJ. Sari travels the globe every season to explore designer showrooms and national beachwear tradeshows. By time the Boutique doors open every spring, she has imported the international designs of the season to the Jersey Shore. Sari’s collections include chic jewelry, fun, funky fashions for men & women, designer swimwear and hip, unique gifts.