The Pub, the beloved steakhouse with open hearths and quasi-medieval decor, announced last month that it would close for 'summer vacation' with stated plans to reopen in September.
That was not totally unexpected news since the Pennsauken, N.J., restaurant has taken time off for various reasons in recent summers. But the next announcement, posted on The Pub's social media this week, was jarring indeed for many.
The iconic landmark, a South Jersey fixture for parts of eight decades, is up for sale, according to ownership.
This news was unveiled on The Pub’s Facebook page with a shared announcement card.
“Yes, planning on opening Sept. 18,” South Jersey attorney David Gelman said in an email response to the Courier-Post, a sister paper to the Bucks
County Courier Times and phillyburbs.
His father, Marc, is a co-owner of the landmark eatery. The family also owns Library II in Voorhees, N.J., and Marc Gelman operates the recently opened Mélange on Sycamore on Sycamore Street in Newtown and previously owned Rocco's at the Brick Hotel.
The Pub is known for its almost-medieval vibe. It's located in a massive castle-like Tudor-style building with an open-flame charcoal hearth in a massive dining hall.
What does the sale announcement say?
The post on The Pub’s Facebook page stated “we couldn’t wait to share.”
The sale announcement calls it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” and adding that the iconic landmark is "for the first time in decades, available for ownership."
It says it's not listed and not marketed, but is an owner sale.
It lists 6.3 acres and 17,000 square feet of building, noting “flexible future potential. Continue the legacy as a premier restaurant or reimagine the property for development.”
Two years ago, a large building at the rear of the property and a portion of the acreage were advertised as a leasing opportunity by a commercial realty firm.
Customers react to possible sale of The Pub
Facebook user Stephen Siegel was among those who commented on The Pub’s post.
“Let’s see if they get a buyer. It’s hard to get single restaurants going anymore, but it is a great location if they come up with [a] better menu and better pricing,” he said.
Wrote Lisa Leslie-McCann: “Here come the condos!”
Nicole Fazzio said she was sad to see the news.
“Was hoping to visit for dinner in November when I’m visiting for holidays (live in AZ now but grew up in South Jersey)," she wrote. "I hope it’s still open for a few more months for one last visit!”
Mary Lou Pytlewski-Jefferson said “please say you will remain open during the process.”
Mike McLaughlin pleaded with ownership in his message: “Please don't encourage someone to reimagine the property for redevelopment because they just might do that.”
Added Paul Lapinson: “If it ain't broke don't fix it. I hope the new owners embrace the nostalgia and don't change much."
Third summer The Pub has closed for weeks
This is the third straight summer that the restaurant has closed for a period in the summer.
Two years ago when it closed for the summer, its Facebook page stated it was for renovations, repairs and updates.
Last year, the reason for the summer closure was not specified.
This year, the announcement of a summer closure called it summer vacation and stated that the 75-year-old steakhouse, located at 7600 Kaighns Ave., would reopen in mid-September.
When did The Pub first open?
The restaurant's website says The Pub opened in 1951 at the former site of a nightclub off Kaighns Avenue near the busy Airport Circle.
The restaurant burned down in 1960, but was quickly rebuilt. Its towering neon sign became a familiar roadside attraction.
It's known for its open-hearth steaks, thick slow-roasted cuts of prime rib, large self-serve salad bar and vast dining hall that seats 500.
The property is accessible to multiple major highways and has proximity to Philadelphia, with several bridges to Philadelphia nearby.
Celeste E. Whittaker joined the Courier-Post in 1998. The South Jersey native has covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college and high school sports in her tenure and now covers food, dining, events, arts and culture, grocery stores and more for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. She has won numerous writing awards for her work. Please consider a digital subscription to help support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Iconic restaurant, an 8-decade fixture on the dining scene, is for sale
