Clerks (1994)

The 1994 independent classic “Clerks,” which famously launched the film career of Kevin Smith, was shot near his hometown of Highlands, New Jersey. The story of “Clerks” is well documented, with Smith financing it via personal credit cards and eventually being accepting into the Sundance Film Festival, ultimately landing national distribution. As you might imagine for a film with such humble beginnings, the locations are all within a short distance of one another.

At the beginning of the film, Dante, played by Brian O’Halloran, is called into work on his day off to cover another employee’s shift. Here is the home of Dante, which still mostly resembles how it appeared in the film.

LOCATION: 102 W Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

The most iconic location is of course the Quick Stop Groceries, where most of the film takes place. At the time of filming, Smith worked at the store and the owners allowed him to film at night, while the business was closed. The store is quite a popular destination, attracting fans on a daily basis. The staff is quite welcoming to fans and allow you to take as many pictures as you’d like, both inside and outside of the store, so we highly recommend a visit.

LOCATION: 58 Leonard Ave, Leonardo, NJ 07737

With the expansion of Smith’s “View Askewniverse,” in which characters from multiple films existed within the same cinematic universe, Quick Stop Groceries would appear in many more Smith films over the years, including “Mallrats” (extended cut only), “Chasing Amy,” “Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back” and of course the sequels “Clerks II” and “Clerks III.”

Here is the main checkout counter, where Dante spends much of the film. Overall, the interior hasn’t changed much since filming took place.

Randall, played by Jeff Anderson, makes his famous entrance here.

The back of the store appears in multiple scenes, such as the man picking through the eggs, the woman (played by Smith’s mother) checking all the expiration dates on the milk and Caitlin Bree having sex in the bathroom.

Randall works at the RST Video, which is located right next door to the Quick Stop. This is also where Jay and Silent Bob, played by Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, hang out for most of the film. The interior of this area is not open to the public at this time.

LOCATION: 60 Leonard Ave, Leonardo, NJ 07737

After Dante learns one of his exes has died, he and Randall attend the wake at this funeral home.

LOCATION: 59 E Lincoln Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

To see our “Clerks” location page, click here.

Related articles: Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Jersey Girl (2004), Clerks II (2006), Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2008), Red State (2011), Yoga Hosers (2016), Jay And Silent Bob Reboot (2019)

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