Joe Leone's Italian Specialty Store and Catering held a grand opening on Saturday at its new location in Point Pleasant Beach.

About 8,000 visitors enjoyed a wide array of free food, wine and beverage selections, in a party under a giant tent, with live, musical entertainment at the new, larger location at 510 Route 35 South.

There was also a ribbon cutting with Joe Introna, store owner and Brielle resident, family, friends, employees and Mayor Vincent Barrella.

Also, former mayors Jack Pasola and Daniel Hennessy were on hand as honored dignitaries to wish their best to the new store and join in the festivities.

This grand opening was 15 years to the day of the first store’s opening.

The Point Pleasant Beach High School marching band played the national anthem and both the American and Italian flags were raised. The clergy from St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Forman Avenue, Point Beach, blessed the building.

Thanks to Vinny La Fata, owner of In the Light Studio, 629 Arnold Ave., Point Beach, for allowing Patch to publish his great pictures. Please enjoy the photo gallery. Click on image to enlarge and then on arrow on right margin of enlarged image to scroll through.