Fate of Popular South Jersey Restaurant Now Confirmed by New Owners

Everyone who has lived or vacationed in South Jersey has their favorite bars and restaurants to visit each year. Many of these establishments are owned by small business owners who are just as much a part of the local community as the bars and restaurants they own.

One of the iconic establishments of New Jersey's Southernmost county was Goodnight Irene's Brew Pub in Wildwood. For 17 years, this was one of the most popular gathering spots in one of Cape May County's most popular Shore Towns.

Goodnight Irene's was best known for their extensive selection of beers on tap along with underrated Brick Oven Pizza and a great atmosphere. But when regulars to the popular Wildwood establishment began to notice some of the beers on tap were not being refilled, people started asking questions.

Reports about the business being sold to new owners were confirmed in November when Goodnight Irene's Social Media announced they were closing for good before the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Who Are The New Business Owners of the former Goodnight Irene's?

A new social media account was created on January 1st, 2025 and the official announcement was posted six days later by the new owners. The owners of The Rook in Manayunk will be rebranding the establishment on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood.

According to The Rook Instagram Accounts, The Rook Wildwood will bring "our Philly-inspired menu with a seafood shore twist, signature cocktails, and, of course, the good vibes you know and love to the Wildwood community."

The Rook in Manayunk opened in 2020 and endured through the COVID-19 Pandemic to become a popular establishment for locals in the Philadelphia area.

The Rook Wildwood grand opening is set for Spring 2025 but no official date has been announced yet. But we do know they will be open ahead of the start of the South Jersey Summer Season which historically is from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend each year.

This also means The Rook Wildwood will be open in time for the 2025 Edition of the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood. The annual music festival on The Wildwoods' beach is one of the most popular attractions each summer. Here are some of the highlights from last year's event: