The Pub in Pennsauken NJ reopens today at 4pm (Friday Sept 20) after an almost 3 month long summertime closure.
Ownership had stated a key reason for the closure was mostly to focus on necessary infrastructure upgrades.
That being said, The Pub ownership made it very clear that they were not changing the classic medieval themed decor of the massive 500-seat restaurant.
A photo posted to Facebook yesterday of the happy staff ready to welcome customers… gives a small glimpse of the restaurant behind them which still shows it in its classic form.
It was widely publicized at the start of the closing that the key facets of the upgrade were new carpeting in the large main dining area, upgrades to the kitchen, and a new roof.
The Pub is a South Jersey restaurant institution going back over 70 years to a “hey day” era when large restaurants owned by locals were seen as much as destination places as they were amazing places to dine.
Today The Pub is likely the only one of those large destination restaurants remaining, which has made it beloved by customers throughout all of South Jersey.
Located at the Airport Circle in Pennsauken where Routes 130, 38 and 70 meet… The Pub is a steakhouse featuring prime rib, filet mignon, BBQ baby back ribs and even top seafood and chicken dishes.
The front bar and associated dining room area alone are large enough to be a restaurant but that space is dwarfed by the size of the large main dining space with it’s 25 ft high ceilings!
Happy Relieved Customers
Clearly the key aspect of this story is The Pub will reopen today, and customers are sharing on Facebook how excited they are to be able to dine again in the iconic restaurant which appears to be unchanged inside.
This likely comes as a huge relief to many!
There was some worry over the summer from their loyal customers… First off, many were worried that the interior of the restaurant would change, which again does not appear to be the case at all.
Additionally, there was a report in another media outlet which initially indicated the property area was up for lease based an a Commercial property listing at a reputable real estate firm. Those reports were strongly denied by the ownership of The Pub who stated the listing is for the other buildings on the property. As we can see now they obviously are opening today!
When customers return today at 4pm it would seem that likely the only visual change noticeable to customers would be new carpeting.
I stopped in earlier this week hoping to get a preview look and speak with management and found the restaurant locked (there were several cars on site).
Michael Klein of the Inquirer had reported (via representative David) at the start of the temporary closing that the planned work effort included a new $100,000 roof… and while I am not a construction expert my drone images from a few days ago don’t really show any significant changes.
After that visit I did reach out to The Pub representative David and shared my drone images with him… asking for a statement on their reopening (and asked if I could stop in ahead of the opening!), but I did not get a reply.
I really pride myself on getting the preview tour of new restaurant openings and seems I wont have one for The Pub. I also have an event tonight so I don’t think I will make it to the reopening tonight! I am still figuring out those logistics of if I can stop in.
So it’s extra excitement with this reopening… happy that The Pub is back, and also learning what has changed at The Pub.
The best answer likely would be… nothing has changed at all.
Links and Location
The Pub
7600 Kaighn Ave
Pennsauken, NJ