Meet-a-Dad: Michael Nitto
This Father’s Day, we’re excited to spotlight a local dad who’s not only raising a busy, blended family in Monmouth County, but also building a business designed to make life easier for other parents.
Meet Michael Nitto, a Manasquan dad, who’s spent the last 25 years calling the Jersey Shore home. From beach workouts and family dinners to launching Fresh & Yummy Meals — a Sea Girt-based meal prep service made with busy families in mind — Michael brings passion, purpose, and a sense of humor to both parenting and entrepreneurship.
In this Q&A, Michael shares how his parents shaped the kind of father he is today, his favorite things to do with his kids (spoiler alert: it involves fishing rods and Uno cards), and why Monmouth County’s community spirit means so much to him.
We’re honored to feature this incredible local dad — scroll down to read Michael’s story!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Old Bridge, I have now lived in Manasquan for 25 years
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
3 children of my own Michael,18, Emma,15, Danny,13, plus my girlfriends two children (we cohabitate), Maya, 14 and Jack, 11
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
The one thing that usually catches people off guard in casual conversation is when I mention I’ve spent a good deal of time in Asia. In my former career, I had a textile manufacturing company that brought me over there frequently. It was on those trips that much of the inspiration
came from to get into my current profession.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
That’s a very easy question to answer. I am extremely fortunate to have had great parents. We certainly didn’t have everything, but we wanted for nothing. I vividly remember my father working two jobs while my mother went back to school to become an occupational therapist. Of course, I didn’t understand it at the time, but as I got older, I realized what an immense achievement that was by both of them—all the while making sure my brother and I got everywhere we needed to be. My parents weren’t overly demanding; they didn’t need to be. They just set the tone through their actions. Sadly, my mother passed away in 2019, but her guidance and lessons continue to shape the type of father I am today.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
That’s a great question. While each of my children is unique and enjoys different things, our family definitely stays very active. Whether it’s working out together on the beach, playing wiffle ball in the yard, or a classic game of Uno at the table, it’s truly more about just being able to
spend time with everyone together. Full family dinners are always entertaining when we’re able to make them happen. As any parent knows, kids’ activities—and each of them are involved in at least one every season—mean a lot of running around every evening all year long, so those
moments of togetherness are what I cherish most.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world?
I am definitely involved in a business venture! I’m a local business owner, and we recently just launched Fresh & Yummy Meals, a prepared meal company out of Sea Girt. I’ve been in the foodservice industry for the past 10 years now and know firsthand how difficult it is to feed yourself, let alone several other mouths and a partner, while keeping everyone happy.
Fresh & Yummy is specifically designed and built for busy moms (and dads!). We offer convenient, delicious meals while keeping nutrition in mind that you can purchase ton carry you through one hectic day or all week long. You can customize your meals, and it’s easy with next-day delivery or pick-up. It really is designed to help me keep my sanity, so I figured everyone could use it.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I absolutely love where I live, and the Jersey Shore holds a special place in my heart. I spent my summers growing up coming to Manasquan, so getting to live here now has been an unbelievable experience. Monmouth County is truly unique with its collection of so many small towns, all neighboring one another, each with such a strong sense of community they take immense pride in. I thoroughly enjoy going into each of these communities and offering our services. It’s incredibly rewarding then to see our customers across the court or field at one of the kids’ games. Without the unwavering support of each of these communities, I certainly would not be in business today. Their local pride and willingness to support small businesses have been instrumental in getting me to where I am now.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
That’s a great question, and I have to confess, my absolute favorite isn’t quite in Monmouth County, but it’s just a short shot over the bridge into Point Pleasant. It’s Bistro by Chef Bass, formerly Daniel’s Bistro. If I’m looking for truly high-quality, delicious food, Bistro is where I’m going every time. You really can’t miss with anything on the menu but have to try the spicy duck meatballs.
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
My favorite activity to do with the kids in Monmouth County is definitely fishing. It may not always be their favorite activity from start to finish—they absolutely love the catching part, but no doubt they can get a little restless when the fishing is slow! Fortunately, everyone enjoys
being out on the water, so it’s always a nice time together, regardless of the catch.
What are your Dad Goals?
Sometimes, it just feels like the goal is not to lose one, though as they get older, they usually have an easier time finding their way back!
Seriously though, I think it’s a simple answer at its core: My main dad goals are to have children who follow their own path, whatever that may be, and who work towards and achieve their goals. And above all else, my hope is that they will always want to come home again and be
with everyone.
