Future unclear for beloved 'Yappy Hour' at Asbury Park Wonder Bar
Wonder Bar is not going away, and DeLisa says that although there will be a change, Yappy Hour isn’t done either.
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A new development is forcing change for a beloved Asbury Park hangout for people and pups.
Saturday was the final “Yappy Hour” of the year at Wonder Bar. The popular social hour is also a massive fundraiser - admission goes back to area shelters.
“The most unconditional love you can ever get is the love of an animal,” said Wonder Bar manager Debbie DeLisa.
Multimillion dollar condos are coming to the piece of land where Wonder Bar has hosted Yappy Hour for 20 years. Wonder Bar leases the land it uses for Yappy Hour. It was sold three years ago.
DeLisa says it’s been a positive relationship with the developers, who didn’t begin construction until after the peak summer season. Wonder Bar is not going away, and DeLisa says that although there will be a change, Yappy Hour isn’t done either.
“It won’t be the last,” DeLisa said. “I know we’ll be doing it again.”
“I drive about an hour and a half every time just to come here, because it's so worth it,” said Brianne, of Rockaway.
“I will not come to Asbury Park if it's no longer being done,” said Randi, of Laurence Harbor. “This is the reason I come here. This is more than just a casual drinking spot. Lots of dogs have found homes here, too.”
“We all have to stick together,” DeLisa said. “Everybody’s been very supportive of me, but we’ll all be very positive, and very gracious and thankful.”
After crowning the dog of the day in the Halloween parade, DeLisa made it clear to her patrons that there’s no need for animosity toward the new neighbors.
“Don’t feel bad, because they are going to work with us to make sure that we’re able to do Yappy Hour here again once all the building is done,” DeLisa said, as the crowd cheered.
