What do you get when you mix soft serve, a snack bar, and 70 years of Freehold history?

You get Jersey Freeze!

In this clip, we rewind to the 1950s to uncover the humble beginnings of Jersey Freeze, starting as a simple soft-serve stand and growing into a beloved Freehold staple. From window-side service to full dining rooms, and from father to son, this is more than just a food spot…it’s a slice of local history.

Whether you're here for the nostalgia, the burgers, or the best soft serve in town, Jersey Freeze is a testament to how small beginnings can leave a lasting mark on a community.

Catch this sweet story in this episode of The Jersey Link

Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zlHmx2QLRLDbGGm8rBsO9

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep07-jersey-freeze-then-and-now-freeholds-favorite/id1822771174?i=1000724042574

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/oasFye2df6o

See you in the next one!

East Brunswick is changing, and so is the way people see it. On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Mayor Brad Cohen to talk about what makes this town tick and where it’s headed next.

Brad never planned on being mayor. In fact, his career started in medicine, not politics. But a few moments pushed him to step up, first for the schools, then for the whole community. “Public service, if you’re doing it right, is solving people’s problems,” he says. And you can hear how much that drives him as he talks about his vision for the town.

From a two-rink ice complex to new neighborhoods that feel like real communities, Brad shares just enough to get you curious about what’s coming. There’s also a bigger conversation here about what it means to grow without losing your roots and why East Brunswick feels like home to so many different people.

Jose and Kate bring their own stories to the table, asking the questions you’d want to know if you’ve ever driven down Route 18 and wondered what’s next. And yes, there’s even a surprising moment or two that might change the way you think about how a town works behind the scenes.

Here are the key takeaways:

(7:22) Brad’s Journey to Becoming Mayor

(13:51) Leadership and Teamwork

(15:18) Public Service vs. Politics

(16:56) Why People Move to East Brunswick

(23:30) Designing Unique Communities

(27:17) Balancing Growth and Character

(36:15) Business Growth and Competition

(39:25) Buying Into a Community

(42:32) First-Time Homebuyer Window

(44:01) Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund

(47:12) Why Move to East Brunswick

(53:42) Most Rewarding Part of Serving

This isn’t just about buildings or roads. It’s about people, pride, and the future of a place that’s right in the heart of Central Jersey. Tune in and hear East Brunswick through the eyes of the people shaping it.

About Mayor Brad Cohen

Brad Cohen has served as Mayor of East Brunswick since 2016. He began public service in 2010 on the East Brunswick Board of Education, later becoming Board President. A longtime resident, he is a practicing gynecologist with offices in East Brunswick and Somerset. He lives in East Brunswick with his wife and their two children.

Connect with Mayor Brad Cohen:

Website

https://www.eastbrunswick.org/360/Mayor-Administrator

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

Dreaming of your first home in Monmouth County?

We want to highlight this clip from our recent episode where we explored Freehold’s hidden gems, housing market wins, and the journey from your first home to your first mansion…one move at a time!

There are programs that could cover your entire down payment and even part of your closing costs, up to $22,000 in grant money. Freehold has every type of home imaginable, letting you grow, move, and upgrade without ever leaving the community you love.

Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. With Freehold’s strong appreciation rates and diverse neighborhoods, that starter home can open the door to your dream home in just a few years. This episode dives into local housing programs, real estate trends, and why now is the perfect time to start building equity.

If you missed it, catch up and listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0R7kOD1rDJ147xEIwU8iPb

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep06-what-makes-freehold-special-brooke-brianna-lundquist/id1822771174?i=1000721512672

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aqPl4-SDXR0

See you on our next episode!

Martial arts is more than self-defense. It’s a tool, like a carpenter using a hammer. At Tiger Schulmann’s in East Brunswick, martial arts rests on three pillars: confidence, discipline, and community.

On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Sensei Andrew Katz to hear how a passion that started with a movie at age twelve became a lifelong mission.

Sensei Katz shares how he left his full-time job to make martial arts his career, what makes Tiger Schulmann’s culture unique, and why the “non-quitting spirit” is the most important lesson for kids and adults alike.

From kids finding confidence and standing up to bullies, to adults trading stress for strength, martial arts here goes far beyond the mat. And if you think it ends at the local level, think again. Tiger Schulmann’s has produced fighters like Lyman Good, Jimmy Rivera, Nick Pace, and Louis Gaudinot, names that stepped from East Brunswick’s mats into the UFC spotlight.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) Sensei Katz’s Martial Arts Journey

(4:10) History of Tiger Schulmann

(5:00) Tiger Schulmann’s Culture

(6:51) Martial Arts as a Tool

(7:50) The Non-Quitting Spirit

(12:27) Opening East Brunswick School

(16:35) Advice for First-Time Students

(18:55) The Black Belt Myth

(24:49) Stress Relief & Everyday Benefits

You’ll also hear stories of students who started out struggling and went on to excel, including one who became both a black belt and a Princeton scholar before becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

For New Jersey families looking for something deeper than a sport, this episode shows why martial arts is about more than training; it’s about building stronger people, stronger families, and stronger towns.

About Sensei Andrew Katz

Sensei Andrew Katz is the head instructor at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts in East Brunswick, New Jersey. With decades of experience in training and teaching, he has guided students of all ages through martial arts practice. His work focuses on helping kids, teens, and adults build discipline, confidence, and real-world self-defense skills. He continues to grow the East Brunswick school as a place for families and individuals to train together.

Connect with Sensei Andrew Katz:

Website

https://tsk.com/locations/nj/east-brunswick/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-katz-7159a81b/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

Jersey Freeze has been a Freehold favorite since 1952, but its story is about more than just ice cream. On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Brianna Lundquist sit down with owners Katie DiNonno and Matt Cangialosi to talk about how a local landmark kept its roots while growing into something bigger.

Katie started working at Jersey Freeze when she was fifteen, never imagining she would one day own it. Matt came from law enforcement and a background in running gyms, bringing new energy to the business. Together, they took a snack-bar-style eatery and turned it into a fast casual spot with quality food that could stand next to the ice cream in reputation.

The conversation covers the unexpected turns that led to ownership, the challenges of modernizing without losing the charm, and why social media became a game-changer for the restaurant side. From packed summer nights to community events that draw thousands, Katie and Matt share how they balance tradition with innovation.

You will also hear about their commitment to the Live Like a Unicorn Foundation and how one young girl’s dream turned into a cause that now helps dozens of New Jersey families every year. It began in honor of Olivia Lipnicki, a young girl who loved Jersey Freeze and wanted to help other children with cancer. “Every bad thing turns into a good thing,” Katie says, reflecting on her journey and why giving back is non-negotiable for them.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:22) The Jersey Freeze history

(28:10) What makes Jersey Freeze a New Jersey icon

(30:44) How Jersey Freeze Supports Businesses & Partners

(35:00) Community First: Trunk or Treat and community events

(35:46) The “Live Like a Unicorn” story

(42:24) From Losing a Parent to Raising $150K for Others

(45:52) How Sundaes and DIY kits saved sales

(50:41) The Turning Point: The moment Jersey Freeze felt “real”

(52:10) More Than Ice Cream: Why Jersey Freeze feels like home

(55:19) Meeting Bon Jovi and Springsteen fans

From pandemic pivots to expansion plans, this episode is full of the behind-the-scenes moments you never see from the other side of the counter. Tune in to hear what it takes to run a place that is part hometown tradition and part growing brand, straight from the people making it happen.

About Katie DiNonno and Matt Cangialosi

Katie DiNonno and Matt Cangialosi have owned Jersey Freeze since 2014, taking over from longtime owner Bruce Blackmore. They have expanded the menu, grown the business, and stayed active in supporting local causes. In 2020, they opened a second location at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ, and continue to oversee both stores.

Connect with Katie DiNonno and Matt Cangialosi:

Website: https://jerseyfreeze.com/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

This week on The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Casey Cunliffe head to a spot that’s been part of Freehold for over four decades. It’s got history in every corner, regulars who never need a menu, and a lineup of events that keep the place moving. And Casey? She knows it better than anyone because she grew up here. Her family built it from the ground up.

Joining them is Brendan Glynn, the guy keeping the place moving today. From packed Monday nights to a Thanksgiving that surprised even the staff, Brendan gives a peek into what it takes to run a restaurant where no two days feel the same. “Every day there’s a different energy in here,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Casey opens up about what it was like growing up around the bar, the booths, and the regulars. And when the restaurant changed hands, she stayed, because some things didn’t change at all. “The same environment was kept,” she says. “That’s a big reason why I stayed on.”

There’s also talk of beer. Lots of it. The kind that rotates, surprises you, and occasionally comes with a side of live music. And if you’ve never heard of the Santa and Me dinner, well, you’ll want to stick around for that.

Here are the key takeaways:

(1:54) Brendan’s start in the restaurant business

(3:29) The origin of The Cabin name

(4:58) Most memorable moments at The Cabin

(7:08) What makes The Cabin unique

(10:36) Events that bring the community together

(12:26) Brendan’s vision for the future

(15:44) What locals should know about The Cabin

(16:43) Casey on what makes The Cabin special

Whether you’ve lived in Freehold your whole life or just passed The Cabin on your way to somewhere else, this episode is your reason to finally stop in.

About Casey Cunliffe

Casey Cunliffe is a dedicated real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in customer service. Known for her upbeat energy and client-first approach, she’s passionate about building real relationships and guiding people through one of the most exciting investments of their lives. Casey brings deep local knowledge, clear communication, and a commitment to making every step of the home-buying journey feel informed and stress-free.

Connect with Casey:

https://www.mylinkrealty.com/agent-profile/casey-mezzacappa-110959570

About Brendan Glynn

Brendan Glynn is the Operations Manager at The Cabin in Freehold, NJ, where he’s spent the last three years shaping one of the area’s most beloved local spots. With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Brendan started as a busboy and bartender before moving into management in 2012. He brings energy, consistency, and a passion for customer experience to everything from daily specials and live music nights to growing The Cabin’s signature barbecue program.

Connect with Brendan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-glynn-02b4b9a4/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez takes you inside one of Colts Neck’s most-loved spots: Source Brewery. He’s joined by Greg Taylor, Director of Brewing Operations, to talk about how a 19th-century dairy barn turned into a craft beer destination where families, friends, and even dogs gather.

Greg shares how Source was never meant to be just a brewery. “It’s all about the experience,” he says. From the farm-to-glass approach to the rooftop, weddings, and special events, Source has become part of the local rhythm. You’ll hear how they blend international hops, local heirloom corn, and even partner with Jersey Freeze for those milkshake IPAs people can’t stop talking about.

They also dive into what makes the craft beer scene so exciting right now and why Source is more interested in creating a place people love rather than trying to fill shelves in all 50 states. There’s even a fun peek into their Philly expansion and a story about UFC champ Eddie Alvarez stopping by.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:18) The 1800s barn behind Source Brewery’s story

(5:26) Why Greg Taylor chose Colts Neck for Source

(6:42) Why beer tastes better at the source

(7:50) The spark for craft brewing

(9:25) Why this brewery is packed with families

(11:53) Behind the brews (the process)

(14:04) Beers on tap & collaborations

(17:10) Future of Source Brewery

(20:56) Advice for business owners

For anyone curious about how community and craft come together, this one’s worth a listen. Pull up a seat and hear why Source Brewery has become the heart of Colts Neck, one pour at a time.

About Greg Taylor

Greg Taylor is the Director of Brewing Operations at Source Farmhouse Brewery in Colts Neck, New Jersey. He studied business management at Penn State and earned his master brewer’s degree from Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany. Greg began his brewing career at Weyerbacher Brewing Company and is an advanced-level Cicerone. At Source, he focuses on creating a farm-to-glass experience using local ingredients and honoring the brewery’s historic barn setting.

Connect with Greg Taylor:

Website

Instagram

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.