History

The Lamplight, at 204 Grand Central Avenue, was run by the Cerami family for more than 50 years. Geri Cerami continued working there into her 90th year, even after her husband had passed away.

The family that had owned the Lamplight for decades moved on, but sold the business to a new owner – right in town – who kept it alive and made some major improvements in their short tenure as owners of this iconic property.

The Lamplight has remained under local ownership. The Crivelli family of Lavallette, known for their construction business, bought the Lamplight in 2020. They kept operating the business through 2023.

In 2024, the Lamplight again went up for sale, this time purchased by another local couple, Dan and Kelly Friendly. The Friendly’s live just up the road in Point Pleasant Beach. Dan has had a lifelong career in hospitality and has left the restaurant business behind to get back to his roots in the hotel business.

“We are humbled and honored to be able to acquire such an iconic location in this amazing town. We intend to continue building on the great reputation of the Lamplight and plan to own and operate the Lamplight for the next several decades. We cannot wait to meet all of our guests this season!” 

-Dan Friendly