South Jersey dining scene's latest arrivals include P.J. Whelihan's, Pancheros

The South Jersey restaurant scene is welcoming several new additions.

P.J. Whelihan’s

After opening Oct. 16 at Deptford Landing Shopping Center in Deptford, the new P.J. Whelihan’s location marks the casual dining sports bar chain’s sixth restaurant in New Jersey and 25th overall in the region.

It’s also the first brand-new P.J. Whelihan’s to launch in New Jersey in nearly two decades.

Founded in 1983, P.J. Whelihan’s is known for its lively atmosphere, state-of-the-art entertainment package, wide selection of beverages and chicken wings.

As the flagship brand of Westmont-based PJW Restaurant Group, the eatery has a footprint spread across the Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, the Poconos and South Jersey regions. Additionally, the concept can be found at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Commenting on the grand opening in Deptford, PJW Restaurant Group CEO Jessica Breslow said the company is thrilled.

“Our aim is to create a lively environment where guests can come together, enjoy fantastic food and drinks, celebrate their favorite sports, and make lasting memories,” she said.

Clint Wagner, the company’s vice president of operations, added, “We can't wait to welcome the community to experience what P.J. Whelihan’s is all aboutgreat food, good times, and a true sense of belonging.”

In honor of its grand opening, P.J. Whelihan’s will offer half-price wings every Tuesday from 3-10 p.m. for members of its loyalty program.

Additionally, there will be game day specials every Sunday, Monday and Thursday, such as $2 draft beers and $5 select appetizers, during football season.

P.J. Whelihan’s also offers happy hour 4 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday.

Pancheros Mexican Grill

Fast casual Tex-Mex chain Pancheros Mexican Grill opened Oct. 1 at Towne Place at Marlton.

Founded in Iowa in 1992, Pancheros is known for fresh-pressed tortillas as well as burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads. Nationally, the brand has 70-plus eateries across 13 states.

Amid a nationwide expansion effort, Pancheros is making New Jersey one of its top-priority markets for growth. Since entering the state in 2008, the franchise has launched restaurants in Bedminster, Cherry Hill, Flemington, Glassboro, Hamilton, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Wall Township and West Berlin.

Pancheros also has another location in Marlton, at 221 Greentree Road.

To celebrate its newest restaurant, the chain will hold an Oct. 22 special event featuring a meet-and-greet with WWE star Ettore “Big E” Ewen from 6-7:30 p.m.

As part of the festivities, Ewen a longtime fan of the brand will work behind the counter, serving meals. After that, he’ll take photos with fans and raffle off free burritos for a year for one lucky fan, according to Pancheros.

The winner will be randomly chosen at 7:30 p.m. and must be present to accept the grand prize.

Pancheros’ new spot at Towne Place at Marlton is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Tech-powered sushi bar concept Kura Revolving Sushi Bar says it will begin welcoming guests Oct. 19 at the Marketplace at Garden State Park in Cherry Hill.

During a three-day soft launch ahead of its Oct. 22 official grand opening, Kura will offer all sushi plates for $3.95 each from noon to 9 p.m.

Kura is known for its revolving sushi bar, as well as for serving the restaurant’s more than 100 dishes through a conveyer belt system. The menu includes ramen, noodles, tempura, sides and dessert.

One of the most recent technologies adopted by the chain is Kur-B, a robot that delivers drink orders tableside.

Since its founding 47 years ago in Japan, Kura has grown to more than 600 outposts worldwide. Within New Jersey, it has locations in Fort Lee, Jersey City and Edison .

Kura also expects to join the lineup at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus by the beginning of 2025.

Following its grand opening in Cherry Hill, Kura will be open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and weekends, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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