Same corner since 1937.
A few families have kept the lights on at 432 1st Ave over the years. The corner's the constant: the Inlet across the street, the tent in summer, the flat top going since six.
Carlson's Corner has been feeding the Manasquan Inlet since 1937. Surfers coming off the water, fishermen coming off the jetty, beachgoers, and the people who just come to watch the boats go out. Everyone ends up at the window sooner or later.
Back in the 1950s a cone cost about a dime. The prices have changed, but the view hasn't. A few different families have kept the lights on over the years. In 2009 the old building came down and the one you're standing in went up, on the same corner and with the same name.
Kathryn and her family took over in 2025. Pork roll, egg & cheese at 8am, cheesesteaks at noon, soft serve till close. We brought back the bait window and the board rack, and added Trivia Night, School of Fish, Mini Musicians and a hot dog contest on National Hot Dog Day. Plenty of local kids have earned their first paycheck behind this counter, and we'd like to keep it that way.
Hi, I'm Kathryn.
I'm a Manasquan local, a mom of three, a grandma, and a Jersey girl for life. Running is kind of my thing: I run marathons, I used to run a girls' youth hockey program, and since 2025 I run Carlson's Corner with my family.
Marathon training means I'm up early anyway, so most mornings I'm here before the flat top's hot. Say hi at the window, tell me what we should bring back, and if you've got an old photo of the corner, I'd love to see it.
hiring
Work the corner this summer.
We're hiring for summer: the counter, the grill and the ice cream window. First job? That's how a lot of our crew got started. Text us your name, your age and when you can start, or stop by the window and ask for Kathryn.
Text us to apply Email us