Radio broadcasts help rock Fat Tuna's patio

By Marsea Nelson
Special to the Coastal Point

Every week, sibling stations WZEB, “The B,” and WZBH, “The Beach,” alternate broadcasts between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to a crowd hungry for music, food, drinks and good conversation.

Whether you listen to The B for their mix of Top 40 hits or to The Beach’s alternative sound, there is something for everyone at The Fat Tuna — even a covered patio, making rain no excuse for staying home.

During her broadcast last Thursday, disc jockey Karen of The B encouraged listeners to join her at The Fat Tuna that evening, where she gave away prizes and chatted with fan, as artists like Kelly Clarkson and Green Day crooned over the sound system.

She also urged patrons to sign up for a vacation giveaway to Daytona Beach and Orlando, Fla., which will be raffled off at the end of August.

The Beach’s DJ “Nasty Lil’ Lisa” said she enjoys her Thursday night broadcasts at Fat Tuna because of the friendly crowd and relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s a very, very cool place to hang out,” Lisa said. “You feel very comfortable there.”

Dawn Coover, a summer resident, said she heard about the event last Thursday and decided to go because The B is her favorite local radio station and she wanted to have fun and show her support.

The Fat Tuna’s new patio, which opened this summer, added extra dinner tables, along with a second bar equipped with televisions. The restaurant is not having any difficulty filling up its new addition with more guests.

“They’ve been busy every night this summer,” said Terry King, a Fat Tuna regular and year-round resident.

Though King did not come for the radio station broadcast, that didn’t stop her from trying her luck for the trip giveaway.

Bartender Serena Mennella said the radio station broadcasts have been bringing in additional customers, particularly when The Beach is there.

“A lot of people come out to hang out with me,” “Nasty Lil’ Lisa” said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Michelle Parrill, who owns the Fat Tuna with her husband, Steven, said the radio station live broadcasts, which started at the beginning of June, will end with summer but return next year.

Fat Tuna is located on Route 26 across from the Millville Fire Volunteer Company and serves American grill-style food. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and also offers a Sunday brunch.