Monday, September 3, 2007 at 6 pm
(Initially aired on March 16, 2006)

Press Room
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Seaside Heights is a small town by winter with a population of just three thousand. But each summer this little borough by the sea experiences a transformation. Tens of thousands of visitors from all walks of life flock to the beach and boardwalk. They come for the distinctly “Jersey” brand of sun and fun. NJN’s latest documentary, Seaside Story, is the tale of three businesses over the course of a summer in this iconic Jersey shore town. Seaside Story captures the action on the boardwalk, boulevard and arcades, but also explores waves of hope and worry, struggle and triumph.

Summer & Seaside– for thousands of people who live in the NJ/NY region, the two go hand-in-hand. For so many, this area has been the springboard for countless childhood memories. And every summer, thousands more trek down the Garden State Parkway to Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. But what about those who make their living and depend on the tourism appeal of their town? Seaside Story follows the ups and downs of a Seaside restaurant, The Luna Rosa, embarking on it's first season; unveils the family history that keeps the wheels of fortunes turning at the old and well-established Lucky Leo’s Arcade; and discovers the recipe to success at Maruca’s family-owned boardwalk pizza stand, just beginning to expand via franchises after 50 years on the boardwalk. Take a ride with us as we talk with the people whose livelihood and success depend upon the powerful draw of the ocean and the amusements– and the unpredictable weather and price of gas.

The Luna Rosa

Maruca's Tomato Pies

Lucky Leo's