All it takes is a drive around the Rumson-Fair Haven area to see that there’s a lot of business news around the towns.

Some retail spaces have been cloaked in brown packing paper with and/or without some sort of literal sign of change. Others have interesting temporary venues and yet others are just starting out and telling their story via social media.

Here’s the business buzz in the Rumson-Fair Haven area:

Fair Havenite, Handmade Haven and Your Karma is Rockin’ owner Melanie Stewart 

The jeweler/crafter is selling her wares right now out of the Oceanic Library in Rumson.

After leaving the short-lived brick-and-mortar location on River Road in Fair Haven, Stewart and her husband David have been crafting and selling wherever the opportunity presents itself.

They told Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect back in October that it’s proven more cost-effective to have a traveling venue.

So, when there was an opening at the library in Rumson, Melanie, according to a Facebook post, created like crazy and set up shop.

Her creations will be there through the end of the month.

From Melanie Stewart:

“Please shop at the Oceanic (Rumson) Library the month of April. They are featuring my jewelry and wreaths and will receive a donation for each purchase you make!

Anyone from the public is welcomed to visit and shop! 109 Avenue Of Two Rivers Rumson, 07760 732-842-2692 for hours ~ Photos of creations that are featured with price list. Thank you!”

Cravin Haven, Fair Haven

Carolyn Beamish Furguson, of the Fair Haven Business Association, tells Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect that the popular Avon-based vegan restaurant, Seed to Sprout, will replace Cravin Haven.

Cravin Haven, the short-lived, super-sized deep fryer-meets-barbecue sandwich spot in the Acme shopping center is now completely shut down.

The eatery, for which owners gave all indications that there would be a remodeling with possible reconfiguration in business in February, not so long ago sported a sign that said the business was for sale. The 1,200-square-foot space was listed for lease at $1,500 per month as a turn-key restaurant with equipment.

Now the windows are covered with brown packing paper. The inside is not empty and the sign remains, but it is still listed as one of two in the plaza for lease on loopnet.com.

Cravin Haven’s website, though, gives no indication that the business has folded. It still says that it is only closed for renovations. There is information about off-site catering. Click here for more information.

Empty storefront Acme plaza

The other unit for lease, the 900-square-foot 560 K, is next to the laundromat Wash House, a few doors down. It is empty and windows are not covered.

The information on loop net.com says now that rental rates for both are negotiable.

Replacement for Doc Shoppe?

The spot where the Doc Shoppe sat for years, in the other section of the Acme plaza fronting River Road in Fair Haven, is also for lease.

The Doc Shoppe relocated to a larger store in Red Bank last year.

The roughly 900-square-foot store is for lease through Metro Commercial Real Estate at 856-866-1900.

Fair Haven River Road business district

And in the Fair Haven business district east of Fair Haven Road, there’s been an announcement by Lisa Tave Taffin on social media that physhions, a “fashion-forward fitness apparel and accessories boutique” is opening in May at 813 River Road.

A Rumson Locals resurrection or closure?

Seemingly since the dawn of time, or roughly four decades at least, the spot at 91 East River Road in Rumson was Butler’s Deli. It was a frozen-in-time stop for anyone from old-timer townies to teens to grab those classic breakfast and lunch sandwiches and sides.

Butler’s closed in 2013 when then owner Paul Stout retired. Then well-known Rumsonite Dave Ciambrone opened Locals in the same spot in January of 2013.

Ciambrone is no stranger to Rumson business, having owned Murphy’s Tavern at one point and part of the family that owned Val’s Tavern for most of its existence.

There was a rumor that Butler’s was coming back. The sign on the door has said “Sorry, We’re Closed.”

Who knows? Mayor John Ekdahl said he isn’t certain, but did hear the rumor. The eatery, he said, has been closed since the beginning of the year.

And, it looks like the day after the photo was taken of Locals cloaked in brown packing paper with a “Sorry, We’re Closed” sign on the door, it was revealed that former owner Paul Stout is coming out of retirement to reopen as Butler’s Market. Soon. Stay tuned.

Across East River Road in Rumson at gourmet food stop, et al …

A sign on the window at 114 East River Road says, “For Rent.”

No further information was available at the site that was formerly Le Bon Panier.

The et al eatery now has a location in Highlands. There was a plan for et al to have two locations, in Rumson and Highlands, after renovations. But the sign indicates otherwise.

Time will tell.

What would you like to see at one or any of these business locations?