A Final Goodbye to Bonelli’s Market – Video Tour Inside
As Wildwood’s Pacific Avenue continues to change, another historic structure is preparing to fade into the past. Bonelli’s Market, a beloved piece of Wildwood’s history, is now set for demolition, marking the end of an era for this iconic corner.
Once a bustling hub for locals, the market has stood vacant for years, slowly decaying and awaiting its fate.
A Final Goodbye to Bonelli’s Market – Video Tour Inside
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by recently to document the inside of the Bonelli’s for a video in our ‘Abandoned New Jersey’ series. You can watch that video at the bottom of this article
Let’s dive into the story of Bonelli’s, from its early days as a thriving local market to its closure, and why the building is now set to be torn down.
The History of Bonelli’s Market
Bonelli’s Market wasn’t just another corner store in Wildwood—it was a part of the community’s heartbeat.
The building at 4000 Pacific Avenue first opened in the 1920s as an A&P Market, part of a nationwide grocery chain that dominated during that era.
In 1940, John Bonelli who was already known for his success in the grocery business on the island, saw an opportunity and took over the building. They turned it into what would become a long-lasting local favorite.
John Bonelli was a local on the island who graduated from Wildwood High School. He opened Bonelli’s Market in 1929 as a butcher shop
For over 70 years, Bonelli’s served the community with fresh goods, including the famous “Old World Hoagie.”
The hand-painted sign on the side of the building advertising this signature sandwich still catches the eye of passersby, evoking memories of simpler times when customers would line up for their favorite hoagies, meats, and cheeses.
Generations of families shopped here, and the market became more than just a grocery—it became a gathering place, a part of the fabric of daily life in Wildwood.
The Bonelli family was known for their warm service, and the market was an essential stop for many.
Why Did Bonelli’s Close?
The legacy of Bonelli’s Market came to an end in 2014 when Richard Bonelli, the last of the family members to run the market, sadly passed away.
His death marked the end of an era, and the doors of Bonelli’s were closed for good, leaving Wildwood without its last remaining corner grocery store.
Since then, the building has stood vacant, the signage and exterior slowly decaying as the years passed.
While the memories remain strong for those who grew up with Bonelli’s, the physical structure became a ghost of its former self.
What Was Next for Bonelli’s?
In 2022, there was a glimmer of hope for the building.
Milkweed Table And Market Is Coming To Wildwood!
Table + Market, a popular brunch spot from Pitman, NJ, had announced plans to expand and open a second location in Wildwood.
Known for their unique coffee flights and delicious brunch options, Milkweed seemed like the perfect business to breathe new life into the old Bonelli’s building.
Unfortunately, despite the excitement, those plans fell through due to unforeseen circumstances.
Milkweed ultimately decided not to move forward with the expansion, and the building remained vacant, stuck in limbo once again.
Why Bonelli’s Market Is Being Demolished
Now, in 2024, Bonelli’s Market is set to be demolished to make way for a new development.
The current owners, LJKQ Real Estate NJ, LLC, have announced plans for a mixed-use development that will take over not only the site of Bonelli’s but also the adjacent lot and the nearby JCOW (Joint Construction Office of the Wildwoods) building.
This project will include 11 modern condos and a small commercial space, which could potentially house a café or another local business.
The new development promises to revitalize the corner of Pacific and Spencer Avenues, bringing a fresh look to an area that has seen its share of vacancies and underutilized spaces.
Also See: Saying Goodbye to Gillian’s Wonderland – Final Tour 2024
A New Chapter for Pacific Avenue
The demolition is scheduled to begin this fall, and while some Wildwood residents may feel bittersweet about losing such a historic landmark, others are excited to see the area brought back to life.
The design of the new condos, with shared roof decks and rear garages, aims to enhance the aesthetic of the neighborhood and provide modern housing options in Wildwood’s downtown district.
Though the old Bonelli’s Market building will soon be gone, the memories of this iconic place will live on in the hearts of those who shopped there.
And as Wildwood continues to evolve, this corner of Pacific Avenue is set to enter a new era.
Final Thought
So many people have been taking to social media upset that this corner is being replaced with condos. Personally this is one good example of condos being the next thing needed here. With commercial businesses not willing to take a chance on the space and the area starting to look abandoned, condos will bring life back into this section of Pacific Ave.
As you will see in the video below, there really isn’t much left of the market. There isn’t anything to save as things have been destroyed inside and the building has seen much better days.
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