Hemphill Associates, premier Monmouth County builders, have announced the completion of the renovation and transformation of Ichabod’s Bar & Grille into Woody’s Ocean Tavern. The iconic Jersey Shore landmark is under new ownership and will unveil its new design and style next week.

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Charles Wood (photo courtesy of RedBankGreen.com)

Hemphill Associates says that the new restaurant has a completely different look and feel from the former Ichabod’s but will still be a place that beckons locals inside for good food, friends and fun. The large bar, as many patrons remember and love, is still a center piece but the restaurant now also boasts a rustic fire place, high booth tables throughout and a very well priced menu offering casual California coastal cuisine: fish tacos, braised short ribs, “Sea Bright” sliders and other creations. In a recent interview with RedBankGreen.com owner Charles Wood stated, “It’s going to be a unique menu for the area.”

Wood and co-owner Peter Forlenza intended on building up the current popularity of Ichabod’s by revamping the look, food selections and happy hour offerings. Part of the interior re-design included adding more windows and natural light as well as an area to host larger musical acts.

An interesting fact to note about Charles Wood, he was a bouncer for Ichabod’s in the in the mid-80s and left his post to become a bond broker on Wall Street.

The new partnership between Woody’s Ocean Grille and Hemphill Associates is another step in Hemphill’s ongoing success of providing custom design-build development projects for the restaurant industry.  Hemphill Associates also renovated Hook Line and Sinker, now Undici, in Rumson and performs commercial construction as well.

See more renovations from Monmouth County builders.