Carini’s Restaurant in Wildwood Crest Closing After 41 Years
We have some upsetting news. After several summers of rumors surrounding its future, Carini’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Wildwood Crest has officially announced that it will close its doors permanently on November 21st.
The longtime family-owned restaurant, located at 9854 Pacific Avenue, has been a staple of the Wildwoods dining scene since 1985, serving generations of residents and vacationers.
For those who have followed the rumors over the past few years, the announcement may not come as a complete surprise.
Carini’s Restaurant in Wildwood Crest Closing After 41 Years
However, the confirmation marks another significant loss for the island’s restaurant community, particularly in Wildwood Crest/ Diamond Beach, where year-round dining options are already limited.
The official announcement came on social media as the Carini family confirmed the upcoming closure while thanking customers and employees for their decades of support.
“This decision has not been an easy one,” they wrote, thanking patrons for their loyalty, friendship, and memories shared with customers throughout the years.
Carini’s first opened its doors in 1985, bringing generations-old Italian family recipes to the Jersey Shore.
Over the following four decades, the business established itself as a familiar destination for traditional Italian cuisine, pizza, seafood, pasta, and family dinners.
Unlike many establishments throughout the Wildwoods that operate primarily during the summer tourism season, Carini’s has also served the year-round community.
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For local residents, that made the restaurant particularly important during the quieter fall and winter months, when dining options become more limited.
While the restaurant’s final day of business will be Saturday, November 21, the Carini family hopes to use the occasion to give back to the community.
The restaurant announced that its final day will include a pasta dinner fundraiser benefiting Wildwood Middle & High School.
For those who have gift cards….. You need to redeem them before their closing.
What Happens to the Carini’s Property?
One question surrounding the announcement is what will happen to the restaurant’s property after the business closes.
We have seen similar lots near by become condos but as of this moment we have no idea.
There has been no confirmed sale of the property or plans for its future use have been established through the publicly available information reviewed. (aka nothing via public notice)
The announcement did not identify a new owner, announce a redevelopment project, or explain the specific circumstances behind the decision to close.
Whether the building will remain a restaurant, be sold, or eventually be used for another purpose remains unclear.
For now, the only confirmed development is that Carini’s will cease operations on November 21.
And to the Carini’s family. Thank you for all of these years of great food and beautiful memories!