Memories in Margate, formerly owned by Philadelphia DJ Jerry Blavat, celebrates grand reopening

MARGATE CITY, N.J. (CBS) — Memories in Margate reopened with style down the shore ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

The bar and restaurant formerly owned by legendary Philadelphia DJ Jerry Blavat celebrated with music, dancing and even an ice sculpture full of shrimp Thursday evening at the grand reopening.

"Jerry only wants us to have fun. All Jerry cared about was, are you dancing to the music? He had a fabulous run. We love Jerry," Susie Boots said.

Blavat, who died last year, hosted weekly dance parties at the club.

"The one and only person in the whole world who made us so happy for so many years," Carol Tamburino said.

The bar closed in September of 2022, and the new owner wants to keep the memories of the "Geater with the Heater" alive.

"His music collection is surrounding the space, his mixers, his turntables … Everything we kept in place for the nostalgia," owner Teddy Sourias said.

"We couldn't get rid of the memory of the person who made it such an iconic spot. We got so many DMs and messages so excited we are bringing it back," Memories marketing manager Grace Gosnear said.

There are some changes, too. There will be a new menu, more seating for a sit-down dinner and a tiki bar outside.