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Kelly’s Cafe Transforms Into Copper Dog

Kelly’s Cafe Transforms Into Copper Dog

The unofficial summer season, Memorial Day Weekend, is roughly five weeks away, and businesses are starting to get their establishments open.

For this season, one of these businesses is trying to complete a major transformation.

A gust of excitement is rippling through the culinary scene of Wildwood as Kelly’s Cafe, a long-standing establishment known for its classic diner fare, undergoes a transformation into Copper Dog, a modern gastropub that promises to elevate the dining experience for both locals and visitors alike.

Kelly's Cafe Transforms Into Copper Dog

Kelly’s Cafe Transforms Into Copper Dog

Nestled in the heart of this iconic Jersey Shore destination, Kelly’s Cafe has been a beloved fixture for decades, serving up hearty breakfasts, delicious burgers, and comforting comfort food to generations of diners.

However, as the times have changed and culinary trends have evolved, Kelly’s Cafe made the decision to sell.

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The announcement came on their Facebook page read;

“It’s true. After word got out all over social media, we figured it was time to put out a statement. After 32 years of owning, managing, working, and basically spending more than half our lives at Kelly’s Cafe, we have decided that it is time to sell. We have accepted an offer from a very knowledgeable family that has been in the business themselves for years.”

The new owners, who are known very well for other local fantastic establishments, wanted to take what the Kelly’s Cafe family has grown over the years and make it into their own.

Enter Copper Dog, a new concept that promises to be a breath of fresh air in Wildwood’s dining scene.

Spearheaded by a team of seasoned restaurateurs with a passion for food and a keen eye for detail, Copper Dog aims to raise the bar when it comes to culinary excellence, ambiance, and service.

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According to their website, the name “Cooper Dog” is based on the owner’s dog, Vivian. Since it’s named after a dog, they made sure to let folks know that well-behaved four-legged family members are welcomed in their outdoor dining area.

This makes only the second dog-friendly restaurant in the Wildwoods, the other being PigDog.

The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by this week to check in on the renovation.

Inside the main building, it looked like crews completely gutted the building and started to build it back up completely transforming what it used to look like.

The only parts of Kelly’s Cafe that still exists are the glass on the main door and the signs on the roof.

Some of these signs will be saved by the Doo Wop Preservation League and added to the collection right across the street.

There is no official opening date for Cooper Dog, we are being told it will be closer to Memorial Day Weekend.

Whether you’re a foodie seeking new culinary adventures or simply looking for a memorable dining experience in Wildwood, Copper Dog is definitely worth wagging your tail for.

On a side note, they are currently hiring for this summer. Those looking for a summer job at Copper Dog please email [email protected] for more information.