Latest News: Reopening Of The Anchorage Tavern In Somers Point

Many in the New Jersey metro market want to know … When will The Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, New Jersey reopen?

We have the very latest news regarding this 135-year-old iconic restaurant.

Somers Point City sources have confirmed that a special meeting of the Somers Point City Council has been scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Somers Point City Council Chambers.

The only item on the special meeting agenda for consideration is the approval of the liquor license transfer from Don Mahoney to the new The Anchorage Tavern owner, Mike Fitzgerald, doing business as: MPF741 LLC.

If you missed our elaborate coverage from last week (on March 24, 2023) about this important Somers Point issue, here is a link to catch-up:

The Anchorage Tavern wanted to reopen on Friday, March 24, 2023 … however, the normal investigation process before a liquor license can be transferred from one owner to another had not yet been completed.

Don P. Hurley photo.

We have learned that the liquor license investigation has now been completed, and that the recommendation has been made to the Somers Point City Council to approve the liquor license transfer.

This investigation was conducted by and under the direction of Somers Point Police Chief Robert Somers, in coordination with the New Jersey state alcohol beverage control board (ABC).

The public will be permitted to comment at the special meeting tomorrow night.

We have reached out to Fitzgerald‘s attorney, Alex Barrera for a comment in advance of tomorrow night’s special meeting of the Somers Point City Council.

“We are thankful for the hard work and efforts of the Somers Point Police Department and Division of ABC's responsiveness and guidance. I appreciate them. This was never a matter of if but when. Mike is going to do great job and shine, together with an amazing staff,” said Barrera.

Barrera has been effective and highly professional throughout the past more than 130 days, as the process of selling the Anchorage tavern and transferring the liquor license has been underway.

We also caught-up with the new The Anchorage Tavern owner Mike Fitzgerald who told us:

“We plan on having our reopening this Saturday, April 1st. The website will be updated with additional details. We look forward to seeing everyone then. Big thanks to everyone who helped us get here,” said Fitzgerald.

This sale represents a minimum $ 3,500,000 transaction, along with many jobs that it provides and the incredible history and popularity of The Anchorage Tavern since 1888.

The Anchorage Tavern is the oldest business establishment in Somers Point, New Jersey.

The newest chapter is here. The Anchorage Tavern, under the new ownership of Mike Fitzgerald will reopen for business this Saturday, April 1, 2023.

That is no April Fools joke!

NOTE: We just received the actual notice of tomorrow night’s special meeting (see below):

Harry Hurley, TSM.

SOURCES: Somers Point City officials.