


By Pat Craddick-Irwin

Michelle Gadaleta, Owner, Double Dyme Tavern

A Community’s Heartbeat: How Double Dyme Tavern Thrives Amid Growth and Change
As towns evolve and new residents settle in, small businesses find themselves at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. For Double Dyme Tavern, a beloved establishment in the heart of South Amboy, NJ, this change is not just an opportunity—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and belonging.
Embracing Change, Welcoming All
The influx of new residents and luxury apartments has brought fresh energy to South Amboy, and Double Dyme Tavern has embraced this shift wholeheartedly. From day one, the tavern has fostered a melting-pot atmosphere where both locals and newcomers can come together, unwind, and feel at home. Creating a space where everyone feels like family is at the core of what makes this tavern special.
“We are extremely welcoming to new residents,” says Michelle Gadaleta, owner of Double Dyme Tavern. “Our goal is to make sure our guests always feel like they are part of the Double Dyme family.”
A Tavern That Grows with Its Community
Double Dyme Tavern was built with the future in mind. As the town grows, so does its role as a community hub. More than just a bar, it’s a place where friendships form, memories are made, and the neighborhood’s social fabric is strengthened.
Balancing the needs of long-time locals and newer residents is no easy feat, yet Double Dyme Tavern has found the perfect formula: treating everyone like family. By fostering an environment where old and new patrons connect naturally, the tavern has become a space where history and progress intertwine seamlessly.
Challenges and Opportunities
As the town’s demographics shift, new opportunities for meaningful interactions emerge. Meeting new people, forming new friendships, and expanding the Double Dyme Tavern family have been some of the most rewarding aspects of this journey, says Michelle Gadaleta.
Double Dyme Tavern has also been proactive in its outreach, offering a 10% discount to Station Bay residents as a gesture of goodwill. This initiative not only welcomes newcomers but also reinforces the tavern’s commitment to fostering community bonds.



Engaging the Community Through Events
Community engagement is at the heart of Double Dyme Tavern’s mission. Whether it’s live music, themed nights, or special gatherings, the tavern constantly creates opportunities for residents to connect, laugh, and make lasting memories. Every event is an open invitation for neighbors to come together, celebrate, and embrace the town’s evolving spirit.
A Personal Mission, A Nostalgic Dream
For Michelle Gadaleta, running Double Dyme Tavern is more than just a business—it’s deeply personal. Having grown up in South Amboy, she sees the tavern as a nostalgic anchor in an ever-changing landscape.
“To say it in the most direct and simple way, it’s nostalgic,” she reflects. Watching the town evolve while playing a key role in its social fabric is a privilege that fuels her passion every day.
The Future of Double Dyme Tavern
Looking ahead, Double Dyme Tavern envisions itself as a core landmark, a place that remains central to the community for years to come. As the town continues to develop, the tavern will evolve while staying true to its roots—welcoming everyone with open arms and ensuring that every guest, whether new or old, feels at home.



A Timeless Space in a Changing Town
What’s the secret to creating a welcoming and timeless space? For Double Dyme Tavern, the answer is simple: genuine hospitality. By getting to know every guest and making them feel truly valued, the tavern cements itself as more than just a place to grab a drink—it becomes a home away from home.
As South Amboy transforms, Double Dyme Tavern remains a constant, a place where history meets the future, where stories are shared, and where community thrives. And for those who step through its doors, one thing is certain: they’ll always be family.
Double Dyme Tavern | Bar & Grill
Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
528 Ridgeway Ave, South Amboy, NJ
Reservations@55tavern.com
Call or WhatsApp Message us +1 (856) 350-6362