Former Chegg owner buys Uncle Will's pancake house in Beach Haven

Uncle Will's, one of LBI's most beloved pancake houses, has changed hands. But the new owner is no stranger. In fact, some may consider him a pioneer of the island's breakfast scene.

Mark Cohen, former owner and co-founder of The Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven, has purchased Uncle Will's from Tom and Margie Stewart, who have run it since the 1990s.

The announcement was made in a Facebook post in the group, LBI Foodies on June 30, which was then re-posted by the official Uncle Will's Facebook page. The official change of hands took place June 17.

Some great news for LBIfoodies. The iconic Uncle Wills has changed hands in a very positive way. Mark Cohen, co-founder...

Posted by LBI Foodies on Sunday, June 30, 2024

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"It's the perfect fit. I didn't have this specific restaurant in mind when I began the search for my next chapter," Cohen said, who sold The Chicken or The Egg, aka Chegg, to restaurateur Rob LaScala of Marlton in 2017.

"I looked at a lot of other places," Cohen added. "I explored the idea of starting from scratch again and doing something unique and creative ... [but] I wanted something with limited hours. Something that I could work hard and earn a living, but still have a life."

Cohen said nothing will change about Uncle Will's.

"They've got a well-oiled machine here," he said of the Beach Haven establishment that opened in 1965. "People love the menu. Customers have been very clear about their desires to have nothing change, and I'd be foolish to make changes."

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After he sold Chegg, and after living on LBI for over 30 years, he moved to West Creek just across the bay.

"When I sold the restaurant," Cohen said, "I mistakenly said, 'Well I guess that's it for that. We don't need a close commute.'

"So I bought a bigger property on the water, as opposed to the island with all the hustle and bustle. I commute to work now every day by boat, so I get the best of both worlds."

Go: Uncle Will's, 3 South Bay Ave., Beach Haven; 609-492-2514, unclewills.com , facebook.com/unclewills .

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Former Chegg owner buys Uncle Will's pancake house in Beach Haven