Sad news for seafood lovers in Deptford, New Jersey – Joe’s Crab Shack, the popular beach-themed restaurant chain, is set to permanently close its Deptford location. This closure marks the end of Joe’s presence in the Garden State, as it will be the last remaining Joe’s Crab Shack in New Jersey.
According to COO Terry Turney, the Deptford restaurant will shut its doors for good in about a month, with the closure scheduled for May 26, 2024. In a statement provided to Patch through a spokesperson, Turney expressed gratitude to the community for its years of support and assured employees that efforts are underway to relocate them to nearby sister locations.
While the fate of the employees remains uncertain, it’s hoped that they will find placement within other Joe’s Crab Shack locations or restaurants operated by its parent company, Landry’s. Following the closure of the Deptford restaurant, Joe’s Crab Shack will no longer have a presence on the East Coast. However, Landry’s still maintains a presence in the Greater Philadelphia area with a portfolio of primarily steakhouse and seafood eateries.
Joe’s Crab Shack has faced challenges in recent years, with dozens of closures occurring across its chain. The chain’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy in 2017, resulting in the closure of about 40 out of its 110 locations during bankruptcy proceedings. In 2017, Landry’s acquired Joe’s Crab Shack at a bankruptcy auction.
Currently, the chain operates only 30 locations, including the Deptford establishment. The closure of the Deptford restaurant follows the abrupt closure of Joe’s Crab Shack in Clifton at the end of last year. As the Deptford location prepares to bid farewell, it leaves behind memories of seaside-inspired dining experiences for patrons in the region.
