1. WINDANSEA RESTAURANT
56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-2266
CONTACT:
Kendal Adams
732-865-2374
kadams@windansea.com
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Windansea Restaurant Backgrounder
Overview:
Windansea Restaurant is an ocean-front establishment located in Highlands, NJ. The
restaurant provides a dining area of more than 250 seats, an outside tiki bar, and works
with The Lusty Lobster, a seafood company, as a distributor to other restaurants in the
area.
Background:
Windansea Restaurant, formerly known as Branin’s Lobster Wharf, opened in 2000 after its
owners, Dan Shields and Robert Higgins, invested in a complete renovation. It’s A Shore
Thing Magazine claims the restaurant has become one of the top seafood restaurants on the
jersey shore over the last decade. The restaurant’s recognition in the food industry has
been made apparent over the last few years through increases in its profit margin and the
spike of its consumer base.
Restaurant Leadership:
Windansea Restaurant was founded by owner, Dan Shields, and Robert Higgins, head
chef, in 2000. Shields has an extensive background in business. He received his bachelor’s
degree in Business and his M.B.A. from Monmouth University. Higgins has worked in the
restaurant business for 30 years and was named “Top Chef” in 2014 in the Asbury Park
Press. After the restaurant’s renovation, Shields appointed his son, Joseph Shields, as vice
president of marketing after his graduation from Columbia University. The business is run
by family, maintaining its small town atmosphere.
Awards and Recognition:
Windansea Restaurant has received the award for “Top Seafood Establishment in N.J.”
from the Asbury Park Press for three consecutive years and maintains this top spot by
providing outstanding customer service and quality seafood. The restaurant remains on the
frontier of seafood distribution alongside The Lusty Lobster. Its owner received CPC’s
Behavioral Healthcare “Humanitarian Award” at CPC’s annual summer benefit in 2013.
Community Involvement:
Windansea Restaurant works with the Lusty Lobster to provide seafood for The Highlands
Annual Clam Festival and co-sponsors the “Clam Race”, through which it has raised over
$8,000 each year to support the town’s food pantries. The restaurant and its staff are well-
known for its exemplary support of the community through gifts, grants, volunteer
activities and a consistent, genuine interest in the overall health, strength and well-being of
everyone who lives and works in Monmouth County.