2 restaurants host grand openings on Belmont Shore's Second Street

Two restaurants hosted grand opening ceremonies this week on Belmont Shore's Second Street which continues to add restaurants to its famed corridor.

Belmont Shore has had thirteen new businesses open this year alone, according to Belmont Shore Business Association executive director Heather Kern.

"It's been a renaissance," Let's Yolk About It owner and BSBA board member Rebecca Hinderer said.

Ribbro BBQ held their grand opening ceremony on Thursday afternoon to celebrate the brand's third location. The family-owned concept that combines traditional Southern-style barbecue with Korean flavors. Instead of marinating their pork in typical barbecue sauce, at Ribbro, the pork is marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce. Gochujang is a staple in Korean cuisine made up of fermented red chili paste and ingredients like glutenous rice to give it some sweetness.

The rest of the menu is pretty standard for barbecue restaurants, featuring items like a smoked brisket sandwich, smoked chicken wings and, for vegetarians, an option for a smoked portobello mushroom sandwich. Sandwiches are priced at $15 to $18 and platters range from $20 to $30 depending on the amount of meats and sides.

Republic of Pie also held a grand opening ceremony on Friday afternoon. The Second Street location is the concept's second location after its flagship in North Hollywood.

The shop offers single slices and whole pies made daily in store and has partnered with Stumptown Coffee to provide a large coffee menu, which includes items like horchata latte, Einspänner coffee (Viennese coffee), and more. Pie slices are priced at $8.95 and whole pies range from $41.95 to $52.

The draw is the pies, serving classics like banana cream and apple, and more unusual options like earl grey cream and turkey chili. And for those without a sweet tooth, the shop has wraps, salads, quesadillas and a breakfast menu with omelets, French toast and more. Lunch and breakfast items range from $10 to $15.