The wait is over for Southern Ocean County shoppers. The Saker family officially cut the ribbon yesterday, February 4, on the brand-new ShopRite of Manahawkin, a state-of-the-art supermarket that more than doubles the footprint of its predecessor.
Located at 733 Route 72 West in the Manahawkin Commons, the new store replaces the former Stafford Square location. The grand opening drew hundreds of eager residents, with the first 200 shoppers receiving commemorative gift bags.
The new facility represents a significant leap forward in grocery design for the region. Spanning a massive new floor plan, the store focuses heavily on “experience-based” shopping, moving beyond simple aisles to include specialized boutiques and fresh-prep stations.
“With this new Manahawkin location, we’re proud to offer a fresh, modern store filled with amenities that make shopping easier and more enjoyable,” said Richard Saker, CEO and President of Saker ShopRites. “From locally sourced products and prepared foods to world-class services, this store reflects our promise to deliver quality and care.”
The Saker family, third- and fourth-generation grocers, have outfitted the Manahawkin location with several of their signature “World Class” departments:
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World Class Bakery: Featuring custom special-occasion cakes and artisan breads baked fresh daily.
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Dearborn Farms & World Class Kitchens: An expansive prepared foods department offering ready-to-heat meals and specialty items.
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Enhanced Fresh Departments: A seafood counter with daily fresh-catch deliveries and an extensive meat department staffed by on-site butchers.
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Full-Service Pharmacy: Integrated into the store for one-stop health and wellness.
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Digital Integration: The store features an upgraded Order.Pickup.Deliver. hub to handle the surge in online grocery demand.
The expansion isn’t just about floor space; it’s a boost to the local labor market. Saker ShopRites confirmed the hiring of dozens of additional full- and part-time employees to staff the larger facility, joining the existing team that transitioned from the former site.
| Feature | Old Location (Stafford Square) | New Location (Route 72 West) |
| Total Square Footage | Standard Format | More than Double |
| Prepared Foods | Limited Selection | World Class Kitchens / Dearborn Farms |
| Online Shopping | Standard Service | Dedicated Hub / Order.Pickup.Deliver. |
| Bakery | Traditional | Expanded World Class Bakery |
The new ShopRite joins a portfolio of Saker-owned stores across Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Mercer counties, reinforcing the family’s dominant presence in the New Jersey grocery landscape.
