The Freeholder Board has entered into an agreement with some big names in the region to open a new eatery in the former Lobster Trap Restaurant in Cooper River Park. The restaurant, which has been empty for a little over a year, is located at 5300 North Park Drive in Pennsauken Township.
The County issued a competitive contracting request for proposals a few months back, aiming to find an operator that could create a unique destination for families and visitors alike.
The new operators, the KTMK Group, are led by restaurateur Kevin Meeker, current owner of Haddon Township’s Keg and Kitchen and previous owner of the acclaimed Philadelphia Fish Company. At the helm in the kitchen will be award winning chef and Culinary Institute of America graduate Tony Clark, who has showcased his culinary talents at The Four Seasons, The Old Grange and the Valley Forge Casino, to name a few. Tony is also the featured Chef on Comcast’s syndicated TV show “Rock Star Kitchen.”
“We are currently transforming Cooper River Park to create an even better green space where Camden County residents enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department. “A signature restaurant that creates a destination within the park completes this vision.” Cooper River Park annually attracts nearly one million visitors a year with its beautiful river views, amenities and events year-round. The restaurant will be located in the 6,572-square-foot facility, known as the Hadley House. It will be reimagined by R2A Architects of Voorhees to take full advantage of the spectacular water views from the dining room.
“This will be the perfect place to enjoy a meal along the river, especially with an incredible sunset as a backdrop,” Nash said. “We are excited to have Kevin Meeker and Tony Clark associated with this project.” Their history of success coupled with such an ideal setting will create a wonderful asset at the Cooper River and surrounding area.
Kevin Meeker echoed that sentiment, “I have been fortunate enough to have owned some of the area’s most successful restaurants but this venue, on Cooper River, is by far the most exciting.”
The restaurant, yet to be named, is due to open in the fall of 2015.
