P.J. Whelihan's to open 1st NJ restaurant in nearly two decades (photos)

P.J. Whelihan's is gearing up to launch its first new restaurant in New Jersey in nearly two decades.

Scheduled for a mid-October opening at Deptford Landing Shopping Center in Deptford, the location will mark the chain’s sixth in New Jersey and 25th overall in the region.

Founded in 1983, the casual dining sports bar chain 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.

Ahead of the grand opening, hiring efforts are underway for all jobs. Starting Aug. 27, hiring fairs will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the upcoming restaurant.According to a spokesperson for the company, PJW is hiring for more than 100 positions.

The soon-to-open P.J. Whelihan's is located at the site of a former Joe’s Crab Shack. That restaurant closed in May, citing “natural lease expiration.” At the time, it was the last remaining Joe’s Crab Shack in New Jersey.

Becoming the 'go-to' destination

Jessica Breslow recently took on the role of CEO following the retirement of PJW’s longtime leader Jim Fris. She commented, “We’re not just opening a new restaurant, we’re expanding within the New Jersey community. We look forward to getting to know our neighbors and establishing ourselves as the go-to destination where everyone feels at home."

“One of the most rewarding aspects of opening a new restaurant is building a dedicated team that loves what they do and seeing their passion reflected in every customer interaction,” she said.

Since its 2021 acquisition by Garnett Station Partners, PJW has unveiled a new growth strategy that includes launching three new P.J. Whelihan’s locations.

By the close of 2024, the group anticipates having 33 restaurants open and $150 million in revenue, aiming for a 2.5% same-store increase. In 2025, expansion efforts for the chain will focus on Delaware, Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania.

PJW’s portfolio also includes:

• Upscale steak and seafood establishment The ChopHouse



• Casual Italian establishment Treno Pizza Bar



• Craft beer bar and restaurant The Pour House



• Modern Mexican eatery Central Taco and Tequila

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