Mix Lounge in Long Branch Closes After 25 Years

One of the owners is battling a recurrence of head and neck cancer.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A softly blurred, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting the interior of a cozy, dimly lit bar or lounge, with hints of glowing neon signs and the silhouettes of patrons enjoying drinks and conversation, conceptually representing the loss of a beloved community gathering spot.The abrupt closure of a beloved Long Branch lounge leaves a void in the community, but the focus now shifts to supporting the owners as they face a personal health crisis.Long Branch Today

Mix Lounge, a mainstay in Long Branch's West End neighborhood for 25 years, has abruptly closed its doors. The closure is due to one of the co-owners, Sam "Chef Sammy" Nativo, battling a recurrence of head and neck cancer. Nativo owned and ran the lounge with his business and life partner, Michael Bienz.

Why it matters

Mix Lounge was a beloved community gathering spot in Long Branch's West End, an area with deep ties to Bruce Springsteen's early career. The closure is a loss for the local community, but the focus is now on supporting the owners as they face Nativo's health challenges.

The details

According to one of the bar's employees, Nativo's head and neck cancer has returned, and he and Bienz will need to step away from the restaurant to focus on Nativo's intensive therapy and recovery. The couple has also closed their other business, the Second Floor Supper Club. A GoFundMe has been started to raise funds to support Nativo and Bienz during this difficult time, as well as to help fund the reopening of their Lobster Pit restaurant for the 2026 summer season.

  • Mix Lounge abruptly closed in April 2026 after 25 years in business.
  • Nativo has been fighting head and neck cancer for the last 20 years.

The players

Sam "Chef Sammy" Nativo

Co-owner of Mix Lounge who is battling a recurrence of head and neck cancer.

Michael Bienz

Co-owner of Mix Lounge and business/life partner of Sam Nativo.

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What they’re saying

“As you may know, Chef Sammy has been fighting a brave battle with head and neck cancer for the last 20 years, winning the battle each and every time. Unfortunately, we recently received news that the cancer has returned. This next fight is going to be even tougher and will require both Sammy and Michael to step away from the restaurants and focus on intensive therapy and recovery.”

— Mix Lounge employee

What’s next

The GoFundMe page will raise funds to support Nativo and Bienz as they focus on Nativo's cancer treatment, as well as to help fund the reopening of their Lobster Pit restaurant for the 2026 summer season.

The takeaway

The closure of Mix Lounge, a beloved community hub in Long Branch's West End, is a sad loss for the local area. However, the focus is now on supporting the owners, Nativo and Bienz, as they face Nativo's health challenges and work to reopen their other business, the Lobster Pit, for the upcoming summer season.