Rebuild Grub Hut Manville NJ Hurricane Ida Damage

Manville’s beloved BBQ and Mexican Grill restaurant, the Grub Hut, located right in the heart of town on N. Main Street, has been devastated by the floodwaters of Hurricane Ida. With the permission of Mike and Mel Johnston, and because they are too humble to create a GoFundMe for themselves, we are raising funds to save this precious community gem.

The entire restaurant, including all refrigeration, every piece of equipment, smokers, supplies, all food, dishes, paper goods, chairs, catering equipment, and the Grub Hut catering van has been destroyed. The restaurant experienced damage to the basement, dining rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms, which are requiring replacement of sheet rock, flooring, and ceilings.

You may not know this, but our most treasured small businesses (like this one) are unable to purchase flood insurance since they are tenants and not owners of the location. However, all renovations are still their responsibility. Additionally, the help from FEMA is minimal. New and worsening damage has been assessed each day of the clean-up, and all remediation is their responsibility as tenants.

The Grub Hut is a family run business. The restaurant is the Johnston family’s entire livelihood and will need to be closed in order to assess and rebuild.

The Grub Hut remained open through the entire pandemic. It was important to Mike and Mel that they continue to support and feed the community, as well as support their employees and their families during such a difficult time.

Owner Mike and Mel Johnston vow to reopen, but acknowledge the long road ahead to get the Grub Hut back to its pre-existing state.

They have been a generous donor to so many community causes in their 25 years in business, and pride themselves on their independence. One of the charitable organizations that is near and dear to their heart is, Urban Impact, which is a program that benefits inner city youth. The Grub Hut would hold Urban Impact’s annual barbecue and they employed many youths who were a part of the program over the years. They also participated in the Taste of Somerset, which benefited the People Care Center.   Additionally, they have supported many local sports teams, as well as, other local organizations in the community.  They are an amazing and giving family who help everyone in need. Now, however, they need the community’s help and it’s our turn to support them.

 

Please consider a donation for this local business.

 

This GoFundMe is being established by Dawn Frycki, family friend of Mike and Mel Johnston, and all funds raised will go directly to them to repair and rebuild the Grub Hut and catering business.