Home Team Tavern is set to open this summer in Mount Ephraim, bringing a new sports-focused tavern concept to the Black Horse Pike corridor with cold beer, creative comfort food, and a patriotic “Where Food Meets Sport” atmosphere.
The new tavern will take over the former Mount Ephraim Bar & Grill location, situated next to McDonald’s on the Black Horse Pike. Many local residents will remember the previous bar and restaurant, which operated only briefly during 2024 before closing more than a year ago.
Follow along for updates at their Facebook and Instagram profiles. (This news is so “Fresh” I am follower #2 on FB and #1 on Instagram!)
While I have not yet spoken directly with the ownership team, I assure you this is completely new ownership and management for the tavern. The new concept appears heavily focused on Philadelphia-area sports fandom, featuring a patriotic red, white, and blue branding theme along with a menu designed to offer variety without being overwhelming.
The approach is similar to the growing trend seen at tavern-style restaurants such as Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, as well as the upcoming Thirsty Turtle concept. However, Home Team Tavern may be one of the first smaller-footprint taverns in South Jersey attempting to deliver such a wide-ranging menu from a more compact kitchen space.
A big shoutout goes to loyal 42Freeway readers who first noticed activity at the building and tipped me off that something new was coming to the vacant property.
I stopped by the location this afternoon and saw workers inside refreshing the space with cosmetic upgrades such as a fresh coat of paint. Staff members on-site could not provide details, and ownership was unavailable, but public records show that Mount Ephraim approved the transfer of the liquor license to Home Team Tavern LLC last month.
Shortly afterward, the business launched its new Facebook page and has now also rolled out an initial website as the restaurant moves closer to opening.
Even before opening day, the branding already provides a clear picture of what customers can expect. The sports-driven identity is front and center, with patriotic decor themes and a menu that blends classic tavern favorites with several unexpected additions.
Home Team Tavern Menu Highlights
The menu is relatively compact — likely fewer than 30 items total — but covers a surprising range of categories rarely seen in a smaller tavern environment.
Note: Exact items and pricing are still being worked out, so there may be some changes ahead of the opening
Home Team Tavern will feature classic tavern-style pizzas along with specialty options including: Sausage & Pepperoni, Jersey Shore Pizza, Cheesesteak Pizza and Vege Garden Pizza
The house burger features a one-third pound beef or chicken patty served on a pretzel bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles… priced very reasonably. Signature burger options include; Smokehouse, Steakhouse, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Parm, Big Cheese.
Game Day Starters offers the classic fresh-cut fries, nachos, wins, popcorn shrimp and more.
But as mentioned, one of the more surprising elements of the menu is its variety. Beyond pizza and burgers, Home Team Tavern also plans to offer:
- Old-school tacos with beef, chicken, or shrimp
- Sushi rolls including California, Boston, Tuna, and Veggie rolls
- Specialty mac and cheese dishes, including a “South Jersey Mac” topped with ribeye steak and caramelized onions
Perhaps the most unique item on the menu from my perspective is the handheld crepe selection — something I’ve rarely seen at a neighborhood sports tavern.
Crepe options are expected to include; Philly Cheesesteak Crepe, Breakfast Crepe, Dessert Crepe
I am impressed that Home Team Tavern already has the menu prepared and public.. but of course aspects could change before the opening.
Target Opening Set for Summer 2026
A banner on the restaurant’s Facebook page lists a target opening of late June 2026, while additional page details mention a June or July launch timeframe.
Either way, Home Team Tavern is shaping up to become an interesting new addition to the South Jersey dining scene, combining a neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere with an unexpectedly diverse food menu inside a cozy tavern setting.
Links and Location
Home Team Tavern – Coming This Summer
267 S Black Horse Pike
Mt Ephraim NJ 08057
