Beloved Long Branch Bar Ron's West End Pub Closing April 3

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Beloved longtime Long Branch staple Ron's West End Pub will be closing this Sunday, April 3.

The bar/restaurant announced the news themselves on their Facebook account.

Ron's West End Pub had been serving Long Branch locals for the past 40 years. In an even sadder twist, it first opened in March 1982. The restaurant was also known as a good live music spot, and hosted many local bands.

"We will remain open with our regular business hours through April 2 and then our 'It’s not goodbye, but See ya Later' party will be April 3 2-6 p.m.," wrote the bar. "Please come visit and help us make these last few weeks some of the best."

Ron's West End Pub was started by Ron Heinzman, a former schoolteacher, and he and his son Randy eventually came to own the iconic watering hole together. The father-son duo were unstoppable, and beloved in Long Branch.

"No two men worked as well together as they did, as they were truly the best of friends," wrote Randy's wife, Suzanne Heinzman.

She wrote:

"40 years ago, this month, an ex-school teacher sold his first pub and came to Long Branch to purchase what was then called Paddy Murray’s. He had three small kids at the time, but dedicated himself to build a place that old friends could come and where new friends would be made. He also joked that he had no other choice but to buy a pub, cause it’s the only way he would be allowed to sing for people. He had a personality bigger than life and all that met him quickly understood this. His dream, Ron’s West End Pub, only became his true destiny when his son, Randy, became his partner. No two men worked as well together as they did, as they were truly the best of friends. I can say this with certainty as I was lucky enough to marry Randy and gain Ron as my father-in-law."

Sadly, Ron died in 2010.

"Now time has passed, and roles have changed. We lost Ron in 2010 and our broken hearts were left to carry out his dream," she wrote. "Randy and I have put our heart and soul into the business. Our son, who is now ten, has been raised there, surrounded by more love and friendship, than most people could only dream they had in a lifetime. It is because of this that leaving this place behind is bittersweet. I’m not sure if this is where the road ends for Ron’s West End Pub, but our family felt it was time to not say goodbye, but perhaps, see ya later. Thank you all for the lifetime of memories you’ve given my family, the love you shared with us, and the loyalty you’ve proven throughout the years. It’s been an amazing ride!"

Here's the music line-up for their last weekend:

Friday 4/1: Three Sheets to the Wind
Saturday 4/2: Andy & DeeDee
Sunday 4/3: “It’s Not Goodbye But See Ya Later” (2-6pm)

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