Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Coming to Wildwood Boardwalk

After many years of speculation, it has officially been announced that the South Philly sensation Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is coming to the Wildwood Boardwalk.

What was once just a rumor circulating among locals has now turned into a confirmed addition for the 2026 summer season, bringing one of Philadelphia’s fastest-growing food names straight to the Jersey Shore.

At this moment, the brand operates just a single location at 3020 South Broad Street in South Philadelphia, making this Wildwood spot its first known expansion outside the city.

That alone is significant, as it shows this isn’t just another seasonal pop-up, but rather a calculated move to grow the brand beyond its South Philly roots.

It was only about a month ago that the Wildwood Video Archive crew reached out to the management team after hearing early rumblings about a potential Boardwalk location.

At that time, the response was vague, with the team saying, quote, intentions are to eventually open up there, unquote. That left plenty of room for speculation, but no real confirmation.

That changed earlier today, April 27th, when Joe “Lil Snuff” Perri made it official in a Facebook video announcement.

“You heard the rumors. It’s official. Skinny Joey’s is coming to the boardwalk this summer. There’s only gonna be one place to go, Skinny Joey’s.”

In the video, Perri reveals the exact location, stating they will be setting up shop at Magnolia Avenue and the Boardwalk, directly in front of the former Joe’s Pizzeria space at 2812 Boardwalk.

That detail alone comes as a bit of a surprise, as there had been no public indication that Joe’s Pizzeria would not be returning for the season.

We did reach out to the ownership team for clarification on whether this will be their only Shore location or part of a broader expansion plan, but as of publication, we have not yet received a response.

For those unfamiliar, Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is still a relatively new name in the Philadelphia food scene. The shop officially opened in 2025, just steps from the South Philly stadium complex, and is owned by Joey Merlino, known as “Skinny Joey,” along with business partner Joe “Lil Snuff” Perri.

Before even opening its doors, the brand had already built a strong following thanks in part to Merlino’s podcast, The Skinny with Joey Merlino.

That built-in audience translated into immediate attention once the restaurant launched, with long lines, heavy social media buzz, and consistent curiosity from both locals and tourists.

What sets Skinny Joey’s apart is how heavily it leans into that South Philadelphia identity.

It’s not just about cheesesteaks, it’s about personality, branding, and presence. In a city packed with legendary steak shops, that approach has helped them carve out their own lane very quickly.

Now, bringing that energy to Wildwood could be a major move. The Boardwalk thrives on recognizable names, viral food spots, and places that draw crowds, and this checks all three boxes. If the Philly location is any indication, expect lines, especially during peak summer weekends.

With this upcoming Wildwood location, it’s clear the team is already thinking beyond South Philly. Whether this turns into a multi-location expansion or remains a select rollout, this is the first real step in taking the brand regional.

And just as importantly, it adds another high-profile food option to the Wildwood Boardwalk, which continues to evolve year after year.

Are you going to give them a try this summer?