For decades, the comforting crunch of peanut shells underfoot, a table with a riverfront view and a standing appetizer of mindless shelling, munching and good company is what many people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area have counted on from Barnacle Bill’s.
Going through those auto-pilot motions of walking in to a place where old friends meet, scooping up those peanuts, cracking and catching up is something that has been known to soothe the local soul like hot chicken soup on a cold day.
Granted, some people don’t even like chicken soup, but if it’s what’s been passed on to them as a staple comfort, it’s what brings them back to that good, warm feeling inside — like those peanuts at Barnacle Bill’s. It’s pretty simple. It’s a tradition. Call it a comfort tradition.
And that longstanding tradition of getting together at Barnacle’s over that nutty appetizer tradition just ended abruptly with a Facebook page message that made people go, well, a little nuts.
Judging by the near 500 comments that had ramped up the Barnacle Bill’s Facebook page by the end of Monday, ripping the one tradition away from many locals was akin to telling one of Jack the Ripper’s victims it was just a scratch.
Sunday, the following message from ownership on the Facebook page ended an era that truly wasn't just peanuts with the chagrin of a loved one’s funeral:
“To all our loyal customers: Due to increased reports of peanut allergies as well as a number of slip-and-fall claims we have decided to remove the peanuts from the bar and dining room. We are committed to maintaining the casual, family-friendly atmosphere that you all enjoy! We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you all soon for some great food and music on the Navesink!! Cheers!”
The comments that followed ranged from supportive, to amusingly upset to vehement and beyond. There were a few comments peppering the post that chided others for being insensitive to those with peanut allergies.
And then there were those who out-and-out flogged the venue's ownership for bowing to the pressure of what they deemed overly litigious people and overboard with allergy sensitivity claims.
Most all comments, though, denounced the peanut pouncing with conviction, be it gentle or strong.
There were the simple …
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School alumni Lana Sorrentino gave a simple “No, no, no … “ comment.
J. Paul Hughes, another R-FH alumni, simply said, “DISLIKE … Not OK. Is nothing sacred anymore?”
Then there were those who couldn’t resist the puns ...
“… Getting rid of the peanuts is the end of a tradition,” said Victor Malone. “The tradition just happens to be peanuts …”
“This is just nuts,” said Jack Hinge Pintzer.
Then there were the serious …
“How about people with seafood and shell fish allergies?” Mike Ciavolino wrote. “’Take the clams off the menu, these will make my kid sick!’ ‘My Doctor says I can only be around gluten free bread — change your buns ... or I'll sue!’ ‘My wife has Mad Cow disease!’ ‘We have a petition here requesting you serve veggie patties only, no more burgers.’ How long before Barnacle Bill's just serves "Air." Is air ok? Oh wait, dust allergies. Sorry we're no longer serving Air …”
“Another long, great tradition litigated from existence …” said Edward F. Thomas.
Some even wondered if there would be a burial ceremony for the antique peanut roaster from which the nuts were dispensed into “pick up your own” bottomless wooden bowls.
Visions of Fiddler on the Roof’s Tevye doing his “Tradition” dance around the roaster before it’s ceremoniously lowered to the bottom of the Navesink come to mind, too. I know, the notion is a little nuts.
But for anyone attached to the tradition Barnacle’s tradition, is it really that far off?
What do you think? The peanut tradition has been cracking at Barnacle Bill’s for more than 30 years. Has our society become too overly litigious — to the point of litigating too many traditions, like this one, away? Or do you think it’s really just about a few “nuts” and Barnacle Bill’s can do without the peanuts that have ended up turning a tradition sour for ownership?
*Editor's note: Sherman was unavailable for comment as of press time. Patch will continue the conversation with him in the near future.
Linda Maresca
12:26 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
OMG!! I want to cry!! It's just NOT FAIR!! But I guess it was just a matter of time...
We can thank that MORON who spilled hot McDonalds coffee in their lap all those years ago!!! C'mon people!!! When are we going to be responsible for OURSELVES again??!!
Michael J Brickle
2:27 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
To anyone who has never met me my name is Michael J. Brickle. I have had the pleasure of working at Barnacle Bills for almost twenty years. I started as a busboy and worked up to bartender and manager. Fifteen years ago I met a girl at Barnacles and I nicknamed her" PEANUT" , thought it was fitting since we both worked there. About a year into our relationship she went out and got a small tattoo o
f a peanut on her ankle to show her love to me. That girl was Kristina my wife of twelve years and mother of our five beautiful children. When we were first married we bought our first dog who we also named peanut after these famous peanuts from Rumson. I am sad to say I had to put him down last year after twelve years of companionship. With all that said a little over a year ago I was called to testify in Freehold court for a slip and fall lawsuit. They said they had slipped on a PEANUT shell and made it all the way to trial. So after two days getting drilled on the stand Barnacle Bills' fate was in the hands of eight jurors. Thankfully they found in our favor. But after that experience I can support the decision of getting rid of the Peanuts, I know it was a very hard for Todd to do. So if I can get over the peanuts so can you. We still have great food drinks and the greatest owner in the world my boss and friend Todd Sherman. I hope to see you all soon!
JEK
12:51 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
As a parent with a child who has a nut allergy, I say BRAVO Barnacle Bills and Thank You!!! Unless you are in that position, you don't know how serious an allergy can be. And for the jerks who say "well you don't have to go", you should be ashamed of yourself. Why should children feel isolated for something they have no control over!!!
Ramblin' Rose
2:03 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Why don't you just stay out of Barnacle Bill's and go to one of the hundreds of other local restaurants? YOUR child has a nut allergy....so the rest of the world has to miss a fun tradition? How selfish can you be??
Shoregal
11:21 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Then just stay out of the restaurant. There are plenty of restaurants where you and little Johnny can safely have a burger. Let your child know early on that the world isn't going to revolve him.
commonman
12:22 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
stop forcing your problems on the rest of a free society Your eveything thats wrong with america in 2012
JFK
10:32 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Go to McDONALDS, so your kid grow healty. What is he doing in bar in first place.
World was not created just for your kid.
"Other" healty people are sharing this planet, and have right to enjoy their living.
this is not even selfish this a way beyond selfish. This is sick and phiscozo.
Lets obligate everyone to use wheelchairs so handicapped people dont feel isolated.
marylou
2:27 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
JEK,I hope you're not saying that peanuts should be banned because there are people who are allergic to them and the allergic reaction is serious.Do you also know that people who are allergic to shellfish can have a very similar reaction?The fact is that people can be allergic to just about anything and have life threatening reactions.
Dave
2:56 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
I also have a child with a peanut allergy and though I think its great that she will be able to go to Barnacles, I certainly see the other side of it. Ive been eating this peanuts for years and will definitely miss them. Barnacles ownership is definitely being considerate, but I would keep the nuts if I were them.
JEK, there are many of places to go that are peanut free and Barnacles is a very RARE place that actually still serves peanuts. How often do you walk into a restaurant that serves them openly? Almost never. Children aren't isolated due to their allergy and its up to us, the parents, to do our due diligence on where we take them to eat and make sure there is nothing there that will give them an allergic reaction.
Shoregal
11:24 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Good post Dave, I have two grandchildren w/peanut allergies and my family just stays away from restaurants that serve them and/or cook with peanut oil. We don't believe that any restaurant should have to stop serving items that might affect the children. JEK needs to get over herself!
bd
3:03 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
They just lost my business
JEK
4:18 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Ramblin' Rose, I have taken my daughter to the "hundreds" of other places. And I'm not being selfish. I didn't sue or sign a petition, I am stating my opinion that I am happy that I can now take her there. If they didn't change their policy then I wouldn't go like all the other years. And yes, marylou I do know about all of the other allergies as well. Unfortuately throughout my family there's bunch of different food allergies. Again, I'm just stating my opinion. And if you actually read the article, the main reason they are stopping the peanuts is for money hungry people who have sued them for falling.
Louis Barbarino
5:22 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Simple, If its going to harm you or your kids then stay away!I do not favor any sports team therefore I do not patronize sports bars, Its really an easy concept to get used to,its called controlling you own destiny ,NOT others.
I guess the place will be less crowded,hope they survive!
marylou
5:50 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Yes, the "suers" are the ones who slipped and fell,or said they did.If I misunderstood you,I apologize.It seems that many people seem to think that their needs are should be accomodated,and the heck with everyone else.Anyway,I hope your child enjoys BBs.
commonman
12:25 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
fyi on principle after 12 years of steady biz i will never go back happy now?
LG
5:25 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
So they can still serve peanuts, like Five Guys, and put up signs warning allergic people. Just don't dump them on the floor. I get the allergy issue, but the fact is, people can sue for anything. I hope they use hypo-allegenic toilet paper. Imagine the outcry if people get a rash on their ass! They'll have to ban restrooms in eating establishments.
JEK
7:11 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Just to clarify, it is people who slipped and fell who are suing, not people who had an allergic reaction!!!
James Earl carter jr.
8:58 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
There is actually no such thing as peanut allergies. It is mostly bored soccer moms with non attentive husbands with munchausen syndrome.
commonman
12:26 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
agreed
CLJ
7:30 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012
I can honestly do nothing but laugh at your ignorance.
Patti
6:57 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
There's a chain steakhouse where they serve you peanuts, everyone throws the shells on the floor, and they've survived (Texas Roadhouse on 1000 Route 9, Old Bridge). My daughter has a peanut sensitivity and we have plenty of other places to bring her. Bring back the peanuts.
Mike Whalen
7:48 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
They Crucified Jesus over 2000 years ago to save soles, Now Peanuts, to save some different "Soles". We have the Right to Protest, and Protect the Helpless Nuts! Who will join us?
Lidia
7:50 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
No matter what side you are, the bottom line here is BB's bottom line....their business is suffering and I think they are desperate to get more customers. We last ate there about two years ago...the food and service was AWFUL!!!!!!!....
commonman
12:26 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
burgers only
mr sandyhook
9:43 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
JEK 1st off what are you doing taking your daughter to a bar? Can't you watch what you daughter eats? It should not be the government to control what someone chooses to serve at their Establishment. You must be a democrat and teacher. If your daughter is allergic to peanuts then don't take her there! Just f*ing up my life.
marylou
9:59 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
People who are allergic to peanuts don't have to eat them or even touch them to have a life threatening allergic reaction.Inhaling the dust from the shells can have that effect.
Afre you saying that children shouln;t be taken to any establishments that serve alcohol?To each his own,I guess.
Sunken City
10:03 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
As someone who seems to develop food allergies without any notice, it's up to individuals and parents/guardians of children to be on the alert for reactions to foods. I have left warehouse stores (after ingesting a small sample), buffets, restaurants, and even my own home by ambulance or by car with hives and a swollen tongue after eating an unknown allergen. You have to monitor your own health and watch for triggors when you are dining out. If you are prone to allergic reactions, only eat what you know is safe when you are in a new atmospher. As far as Barnicle Bill's eliminating their signature peanuts............. they will be missed for many different reasons. Anyone with peanut allergies should still stay away to be safe. My family always had fun playing with the empty shells!
christine
10:52 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
JEK...One question,why are you taking your kid who has peanut allergies to a bar that you know serves them openly and has shells all over the floor??? Why dont you just stay out of there if youre so worried? Youre not one of those people that tries to make everyone suffer and feel bad your your kid has food allergies are you? Just saying is all....
mr sandyhook
11:16 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Marylou, I can careless where people take their children. I am waiting for people like that to start complaining because of the language they hear at a bar and so on. When is it going to end?
marylou
12:06 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The owner's statement says that BBs is a "family friendly" place.I would imagine that if he wants to keep it thtat way,certain language is not tolerated.
Johnny Smith
12:23 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
and who is going to determine what language is tolerated? giligan or the skipper? mr gunnison was being sarcastic people can use any language that they please
marylou
9:02 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
The type of language that is to be tolerated is up to the owner or manager.It's private property and they are within their rights to do so.As it says above in the article,the are a "family friendly establishment.That's their choice,and it seems to be working.There are plently of other places that don't choose to cater to familieswith children.Also their choice.
William H. Bonnie
9:47 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Not exactly mary lou. apparently you didnt finish law school. big brother tries to regulate language in direct violation of the 1st amendment constantly.
marylou
11:26 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Very simple,Bonnie.If you own any kind of business and you don't want patrons to use profanity,you have a right to ask them to stop or leave.There don't have to be kids present.You own the establishment and hake the rules."No shirt,no shoes,no service. No potty mouth.No smoking anywhere on the property."Get it?
William H. Bonnie
12:00 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Actually. No marylou I don't get it. You can never restrict speech. The resulting suit would be worse than the peenutz.
marylou
12:45 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Bonnie,You've got to be kidding.Free speech means not getting arrested or locked up for anything you say.Getting thrown our of a bar or restaurant because the management doesn't want patrons using foul language is not a violation of your rights.I've have been in "family friendly" establishments when unruly,potty mouthed patrons have been asked to leave.
mr sandyhook
12:55 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Marylou have you ever been in there on any given Sunday during football season? Better yet have you ever been there at all?
Chieftain
2:19 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I can appreciate the owner’s decision to mitigate the claims from people who have fallen and blame the floor conditions but, I wonder will the number of claims reduce because of the peanuts no longer being left on the floor. Establishments must face this issue all the time for individuals falling and wanting to take advantage of making some quick money. Removing the peanuts because of food allergies seems unwarranted. I understand completely that reactions to food allergies can be severe and life threatening as I have allergies too from tree nuts and I take every precaution to avoid digesting them. The main point is, I’m going to speculate that the number of people who go there to experience this rare tradition must far exceed the number of people avoiding the restaurant due to peanut allergies.
NJarhead
10:42 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
That's so sad. While I appreciate Mike Brickles informative post, I'm beyond sick and tired of catering to the few with "allergies" and thin skin.