Northeast Mourns as Joe's Crab Shack Announces Closure of Last Local Outpost

Another favorite seafood spot disappears from the Northeast as Joe's Crab Shack closes its final location.

The restaurant, known for its nautical decor and vibrant signs, is located in Deptford, New Jersey, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will close permanently by the end of this month.

Joe's Crab Shack in Deptford Closes

Seafood fans in the Northeast are disappointed as Joe's Crab Shack shuts down its last location in Deptford, New Jersey. According to company information, the nearest alternative is in Baltimore, Maryland.

Store management announced the decision to close on April 24. Chief Operating Officer Terry Turney explained that the closure is due to the natural expiration of the lease. He confirmed that the restaurant's final day of operation will be May 26, 2024.

The restaurant, situated at the Deptford Landing shopping center in Gloucester County, has been a fixture in the area for several years.

Joe's Crab Shack in Deptford is not just any restaurant; it's a large establishment with a full liquor license and the capacity to accommodate up to 300 diners.

Adding to its appeal, the restaurant also features an outdoor dining area, providing patrons options for enjoying their meals.

In 1991, Joe's Crab Shack launched its first restaurant in Houston, Texas, marking the beginning of its journey. However, the famous seafood chain has encountered significant challenges over the years.

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According to reports from the Houston Business Journal, these difficulties peaked in 2017 when Joe's Crab Shack filed for bankruptcy. This financial struggle led to a change in ownership, with Landry's Restaurants acquiring the struggling company through auction.

Following the acquisition, Landry's Restaurants wasted no time in implementing changes. They promptly closed down 40 Joe's Crab Shack locations as part of their restructuring efforts.

Landry's Restaurants, a corporation renowned for its diverse portfolio, owns numerous hospitality, entertainment, and gaming franchises, including notable names like Del Frisco's and Morton's Steakhouse.

Joe's Crab Shack Closures Continue

Despite no official announcement of further closures from Landry's, several Joe's Crab Shack restaurants have shut down over the past few years, per The U.S. Sun.

In December, the Joe's Crab Shack in Clifton, New Jersey, closed its doors, following a similar fate to the Deptford restaurant. According to company leadership, both closures were attributed to the expiration of their leases.

In a statement to local reporters, company spokesperson Terry Turney expressed gratitude to the community for its support over the years. He emphasized the company's commitment to its employees, stating that efforts are underway to relocate them to nearby sister locations.

The Deptford location has already been listed for lease by the Wharton Real Group, as reported by NJ.com.

However, Joe's Crab Shack is not alone in facing closures this year. Floridians were surprised by the sudden closure of 11 Tijuana Flat locations after the company filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by new owners.

Additionally, Chili's fans in Irvine, California, have lamented the closure of their local restaurant due to the expiration of its lease.

Cracker Barrel enthusiasts in three states faced disappointment as the popular southern-style restaurant announced the closure of multiple locations last month.

The restaurant chain closed its doors in Medford, Oregon; Columbia, South Carolina; and Sacramento, California.

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