Bonelli’s Market Could Be Demolished Soon
Bonelli’s Market has been a staple on the island for many decades. Even though it closed its doors a few years back, the building is still standing, but not for long.
The building, located at 4000 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, hasn’t changed much on the outside. The old-school painted signage still catches the eye of passersby.
Its claim to fame as the “home of the Old World Hoagie” is still visible, evoking nostalgia in some and transporting them back to their childhoods.
The market was once named as offering one of the best sandwiches in New Jersey.
Originally opened in the 1920s as an A&P Market, the building became home to Bonelli’s Market in 1940 after the A&P Market closed.
By this point, Bonelli’s Market had already been in business for 11 years and was looking to expand, making this location the perfect choice.
Bonelli’s Market operated at this corner until 2014 when Richard Bonelli passed away. His passing led to the closure of the last corner store grocery on the island.
The building sat vacant until the summer of 2022 when it was announced that Milkweed Table + Market would be taking over.
Milkweed Table + Market is a well-known breakfast and brunch restaurant located in Pitman, New Jersey, famous for their coffee flights.
A coffee flight is a curated selection of different coffee beverages, often served in smaller portions, allowing the drinker to sample and compare various flavors and brewing methods.
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Due to unforeseen circumstances, Milkweed was unable to open at this location and decided to forgo establishing a second site.
As a result, the building remained vacant, awaiting a new tenant, but it appears none will be moving in.
According to a public notice, the owners, LJKQ Real Estate NJ, LLC, plan to demolish the building and construct a mixed-use structure.
The new building will feature three residential units above a non-residential unit, with street-level parking.
The application was brought to the city zoning board this month, and although we have yet to hear their decision, it seems likely that it will be approved.
Do you have memories of going to Bonelli’s Market?
Speaking about memories, The Wildwood Video Archive turns 10 this summer.
To celebrate we are holding a meet and greet on Sunday August 25th at 12 noon at the Doo Wop Experience Museum at 4600 Ocean Ave in Wildwood. Below we talk about the event and us celebrating 10 years.
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