Smith, known for his high-profile roles as a writer, director, performer and podcaster, is pretty proud of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in Red Bank. His famous comic shop has become a pilgrimage destination for fans and is nearing a big milestone. "Nobody will ever really write about it in the Hollywood Reporter or Variety or something but, show me a retail business that makes it 30 years - let alone a comic book store," Smith says.
The "Clerks" creator does a good deal of business in his old stomping grounds.
Smith and his childhood friend turned costar turned producer turned business partner, Ernie O'Donnell, joined him to buy the theater where they grew up watching movies, in Atlantic Highlands.
Said Smith: "Keeping the theater alive felt like a sworn duty considering sitting in this theater shaped me into who I became."
Smodcastle runs new releases and independent films, as well as special screenings and events hosted by Kevin Smith himself. The theater also supports the local indie community through annual film festivals.
Silent Bob is blunt about his motivations, "Being around a bunch of people appreciating a movie is something I refuse to let go of," he says.
Smith regularly stops by The Stash and Smodcastle to meet fans, sign autographs and share his love of storytelling in person.
Meeting the hometown hero means a lot to longtime fan Wilfredo Rivera.
"Seeing the underdog from New Jersey, who no one believed in at first make it - yeah, it's a big thing for me. That and I love Clerks," Rivera said.
You can check out the schedules and happenings at Smodcastle and Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash on their websites.