Long Branch welcomed a meaningful new addition to its growing downtown landscape as Almost Home Coffee Shop officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting celebration at The Inkwell Lofts, the city’s newest boutique luxury condominium development.
Developed by Inspired by Somerset Development, the visionary firm behind New Jersey’s acclaimed Bell Works portfolio, The Inkwell Lofts continues to elevate the Long Branch lifestyle by blending thoughtfully designed residences with locally driven businesses that enrich the surrounding community.
The celebratory event brought together civic leaders, developers, local business owners and community members to commemorate the opening of the neighborhood café, which occupies the ground floor of the newly completed 22-residence boutique condominium.
Image courtesy of Lost Lens Media
The evening began with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from Long Branch Mayor John Pallone, Ralph Zucker, President and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development, Robert Doran, Founder of Almost Home Coffee Shop, and Louis Critelli, Broker of Record and Owner of Critelli Realtors.
Each speaker emphasized the importance of creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where residents can enjoy thoughtfully designed homes alongside locally owned businesses that foster community connections.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a rooftop reception featuring refreshments, light fare, music, and panoramic views of Long Branch, celebrating another milestone in the city’s continued revitalization.
Almost Home Honors an Iconic Long Branch Legacy
More than just another neighborhood café, Almost Home Coffee Shop was thoughtfully designed to pay tribute to the beloved original Inkwell Coffee House, a longtime Long Branch favorite remembered by generations of locals.
The approximately 800-square-foot café blends contemporary design with a welcoming atmosphere, creating a destination where residents, visitors and beachgoers can gather over handcrafted coffee and conversation.
Located at street level within The Inkwell Lofts, the café adds an inviting neighborhood amenity while strengthening the connection between residential living and community-focused retail.
Image courtesy of Lost Lens Media
The Inkwell Lofts Offers Boutique Luxury Living Near the Jersey Shore
Since welcoming its first residents in Spring 2026, The Inkwell Lofts has quickly emerged as one of Long Branch’s most desirable boutique residential communities.
Situated at 665 Second Avenue, the intimate three-story development features just 22 luxury residences, offering spacious one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom floor plans, with select homes featuring additional flex spaces ideal for home offices or guest accommodations.
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, interiors by Paola Zamudio of npz studio+, and landscape architecture by Bohler Engineering, every residence embraces modern coastal living through:
- Open-concept layouts
- Oversized windows filled with natural light
- Private balconies
- Hardwood flooring throughout
- Contemporary designer finishes
Residents also enjoy premium amenities including:
- Landscaped courtyard
- Rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen and ocean views
- Secure indoor parking
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Ground-floor access to Almost Home Coffee Shop
Images courtesy of Oliver Tasho
Known for creating destination-driven developments that prioritize community, architecture and lifestyle, Inspired by Somerset Development continues its vision at The Inkwell Lofts by seamlessly integrating residential living with neighborhood amenities.
While Almost Home Coffee brings a vibrant new gathering place to the neighborhood, The Inkwell Lofts itself continues to attract buyers seeking a modern coastal lifestyle just steps from the beach.
“The Inkwell Lofts offers a rare opportunity to enjoy sophisticated, contemporary living just one block from the Long Branch shoreline,” said Louis Critelli, Listing Broker at Critelli Realtors. “With thoughtfully designed residences, refined finishes, private outdoor spaces, and an exceptional rooftop retreat, the building captures the relaxed elegance today’s luxury buyer is seeking. It is more than a home at the beach—it is a distinctive coastal lifestyle in one of New Jersey’s most exciting seaside communities.”
With only a limited number of residences remaining, The Inkwell Lofts combines boutique luxury, walkability, ocean proximity, and neighborhood amenities—including Almost Home Coffee—into one of the Jersey Shore’s most desirable new residential offerings.
“The Inkwell Lofts offers a move-in-ready, modern coastal lifestyle in the heart of Long Branch, with beautifully designed residences and a setting that reflects the character and energy of this special community,” said Ralph Zucker, President and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development.
“The addition of Almost Home further enhances the resident experience by providing a welcoming destination right at residents’ doorsteps while paying tribute to the legacy of the original Inkwell Coffee House. We look forward to seeing it become a valued gathering place for residents and visitors for years to come.”
