Crest Tavern Announces New Ownership

After more than 20 years of serving the Wildwood Crest community, the Crest Tavern has officially announced it is entering a new chapter.

In a message shared on Facebook, the Fitzpatrick family confirmed they are passing the torch to another local family, putting an end to long running rumors that the property would be sold for redevelopment.

“For 21 wonderful years of serving this community, we are officially passing the torch,” the family wrote. “The Crest Tavern is a landmark in our community and will continue on in the hands of another local family who cares deeply about our community as much as we do.”

For many locals and visitors alike, the Crest Tavern has been far more than just a bar. It has been a reliable year round gathering place, a spot known for consistency, quality food, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that made regulars feel at home.

The roots of the Fitzpatrick family’s connection to the Crest Tavern stretch back to 1996. Tim and Lisa Fitzpatrick began working at the tavern that year, long before they officially purchased the business in 2004. Over time, they transformed the Crest Tavern into what it is known for today, maintaining the charm of a traditional local tavern while elevating the food program far beyond expectations.

Under their ownership, the tavern became known for its from scratch kitchen and attention to quality. Rather than relying on shortcuts, the Fitzpatricks focused on premium ingredients and authentic preparation.

Top quality meats were sourced from George Wells Co. in Philadelphia, including fresh ribeye shaved in house for cheesesteaks and handcrafted burgers made from scratch. Cajun sausage was flown in directly from Louisiana, while fresh shellfish arrived daily from Dock Street Seafood. Weekly specials created by Tim became something regulars looked forward to, reinforcing the tavern’s reputation for comfort food done right.

Equally important was the decision to stay open year round, something that made the Crest Tavern a true local institution.

While many businesses in the Wildwoods operate seasonally, the Crest Tavern remained a dependable gathering place through every season, offering locals a consistent experience regardless of the time of year.

Though, we need to add the Wildwoods are becoming a year-round town thanks to places like Crest Tavern staying open in the off-season.

In 2022, the Fitzpatrick family faced the passing of Tim. While at that time, many assumed the tavern would close, instead, Lisa, along with Bridget and Sam, came together to keep the business going in his honor.

“After Tim’s passing in 2022, many thought we would close the chapter but Lisa, Bridget, and Sam rallied together to keep the business going in his honor and stuck together as a family. Now we are simply ready for a new chapter and the opportunity to live life to its fullest extent and enjoy the fruits of our labor, just as our dad would want us to do” the family shared in a statement to the Wildwood Video Archive.

Now, after years of dedication and perseverance, the decision to step away comes from a place of fulfillment rather than loss.

“We are simply ready for a new chapter and the opportunity to live life to its fullest extent and enjoy the fruits of our labor, just as our dad would want us to do.”

While details about the new owners have not yet been made public, the Fitzpatrick family emphasized that the Crest Tavern will remain a tavern, not a redevelopment project, and will stay in local hands.

As the community reacts to the news, the message from the Fitzpatrick family is one of gratitude.

“This has been more than just a business, but a large part of our lives. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

For Wildwood Crest, the Crest Tavern’s story is not ending. Instead, it is continuing with deep roots intact, carried forward by the same community spirit that has defined it for decades.