A Jersey Shore bar will not reopen its doors as its owner pursues multiple legal battles with city officials and contractors over stalled renovations.
Owner Ryan Fitzpatrick announced the closure of North Shore Bar & Kitchen in North Wildwood on the restaurant’s social media pages, saying efforts to reopen have failed.
“After extensive efforts and sincere hope that The North Shore Bar & Kitchen might one day reopen, it has become clear that this will not occur,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
The announcement comes as North Shore filed a lawsuit Dec. 9 against North Wildwood and its construction official, alleging contractors hired by the bar submitted “fraudulent” permits that were approved. A separate lawsuit against a contractor, filed in 2023, remains pending, court records show.
North Shore is the former Casey’s on New York Avenue, which Fitzpatrick bought in 2018. Fitzpatrick, a banker, rebranded the Irish-themed bar with help from two friends tied to Northeast Philadelphia.
Four years later, he sought to renovate the property, adding an open-air bar and dining area on a new second floor, according to planning board records.
The latest lawsuit accuses the city and its construction office of “deceit, unlawfulness and targeted attacks.” It asks a judge to remove Construction Official Dan Spiegel and halt work by Plaza Drywall, one of Fitzpatrick’s contractors.
Fitzpatrick’s announcement prompted tributes on social media.
“My favorite spot since you opened…great food, great staff… always a good time!” one commenter wrote. “You are missed!”
“Throughout its operation, North Shore Bar & Kitchen was run responsibly and profitably, with a strong commitment to sound business practices and community engagement,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is my sincere hope that the establishment made a positive impact on the patrons it served and within the broader North Shore community.”
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment.
