PJW Restaurant Group

PJW Restaurant Group, headquartered in Westmont, New Jersey, is a prominent hospitality company renowned for its diverse portfolio of dining establishments across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Established in 1983 by founder Bob Platzer, the group has grown from a single restaurant to a collection of multiple concepts, each offering unique culinary experiences.

Flagship Concept: P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant

The cornerstone of PJW Restaurant Group is P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant, a beloved neighborhood pub that pays homage to Bob Platzer's grandfather, Peter Joseph Whelihan.

Known for its signature wings, P.J. Whelihan’s serves over 10 million fresh, never frozen jumbo wings annually, offering 11 signature sauce options and a special featured flavor each season.

The establishment also boasts an extensive selection of craft beers and provides a vibrant atmosphere with over 50 televisions, making it a prime spot for sports enthusiasts.

Additional Dining Concepts

Beyond P.J. Whelihan’s, the group operates several other notable dining concepts, including:

• The ChopHouse: An upscale steak and seafood restaurant offering a lakeside dining experience with a sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere.
• Treno Pizza Bar: A casual Italian eatery serving authentic fare in a relaxed setting, featuring wood-fired pizzas and traditional Italian dishes.
• The Pour House: A craft beer tavern that pays tribute to the craft beer movement, offering a wide selection of draft beers and unique pub fare.
• Central Taco and Tequila: A modern Mexican restaurant with traditional flavors, featuring over 90 varieties of tequila and a menu inspired by Mexican cuisine.
• ChopHouse Grille: A casual steakhouse offering fresh seasonal fare, hand-crafted cocktails, and a well-curated wine selection in a lively setting.

Expansion and Growth

Since its acquisition by Garnett Station Partners in 2021, PJW Restaurant Group has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy.

The company plans to open three new P.J. Whelihan’s locations in 2024, with a target of 33 restaurants and $150 million in revenue by the end of the year.

Expansion efforts for 2025 are set to focus on Delaware, Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania.

Community Engagement

Each PJW Restaurant Group location is deeply embedded in its local community.

The company fosters a sense of family and community by promoting from within and creating career paths for its employees.

Additionally, PJW actively supports over 500 unique charitable organizations through programs like Dine and Donate, sponsorships, and long-standing partnerships with organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House.

Leadership

In July 2024, PJW Restaurant Group appointed Jessica Breslow as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Fris, who retired after more than 20 years with the company.

Breslow, who joined PJW in 2016 and served as Chief Operating Officer, has been instrumental in executing the company's strategic growth plan, adding 13 new locations and nearly doubling sales during her tenure.

Locations

PJW Restaurant Group operates numerous locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including:

• Pennsylvania: West Chester, Downingtown, Conshohocken, Broomall, Norristown, Newtown Square, Philadelphia
• New Jersey: Trenton, Sewell, Cherry Hill, Collingswood

Each location offers a unique dining experience, reflecting the group's commitment to quality and community engagement.