Good Atlantic City, NJ Bar Restaurant is Closing for Bad Reasons

The dynamic business duo of Heather Gleason and Dave Gary have successfully operated Good Dog Bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than 20 years.

They have a can’t miss strategy … great food, excellence in service and the understanding that humans love their dogs unconditionally.

Gleason and Gary were so excited and optimistic when they opened their Good Dog Bar in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

They put everything that they had into it. By the end of last week, they were forced to come to the realization that their winning concept in Philadelphia just doesn’t work in Atlantic City.

Gleason and Gary were genuinely and personally invested in Atlantic City and the community. They moved to Atlantic City and purchased a home.

They had to deliverer the painful news to their staff that they will be closing their Atlantic City restaurant, effective Sunday, August 11, 2024.

We caught-up with Gleason and Gary, who provided us with a very objective, real and raw commentary about closing their Good Dog Bar restaurant:

GOOD DOG BAR ATLANTIC CITY STATEMENT

It's with heavy hearts that we must share some difficult news. Due to circumstances here in Atlantic City that have deeply impacted our operations and financial health, we have made the tough decision to close our Good Dog Bar Atlantic City location. Despite all our tireless efforts and dedication to keeping Good Dog Bar in Atlantic City thriving, the economic challenges we have faced here have become insurmountable. We were so excited to open this restaurant in Atlantic City but with properties that we expected to be open still waiting for permits, along with the cancellation of the Air Show and no live concerts scheduled for the rest of the summer, we've concluded that there is just not going to be enough customers to support our business. This Sunday, August 11, will be our last day open. We are going to turn our focus fully back on Good Dog Bar Philadelphia which continues to be a huge success after opening in Center City 20 years ago. Any gift certificates for the Atlantic City restaurant can be redeemed this final week or anytime in our Philadelphia location. We thank our dedicated staff and the new friends we've made in AC for being part of the Good Dog Bar family. We hope to see you in Philly, said Heather Gleason & Dave Gary - Good Dog Bar Proprietors.

Gleason and Gary are classy operators and what a profound loss this is for the Atlantic City area.

They are exactly the kind of people, owners and operators that Atlantic City needs.

It’s time for some honest reflection about what is currently going on in Atlantic City.

When good people like Heather Gleason and Dave Gary are leaving Atlantic City … we need to learn why good businesses are closing and fix the problem without delay.

NOTE: Here are some examples of the great food served at Good Dog Bar. All photos are courtesy of Good Dog Bar.

Please remember to enjoy Good Dog Bar this week, which is their final week in Atlantic City.

Good Dog Bar photos.