One of Atlantic City’s premiere restaurants is preparing to make a splash in Moorestown. Ryfe Bar & Restaurant is coming to the Moorestown Mall, reports Patch.
The popular eatery will begin serving guests in space 1375 at 400 NJ-38 this spring. Ryfe is taking over the spot formerly occupied by Hash House A Go Go.
Ryfe Bar & Restaurant owner and Moorestown native John Murphy spoke with What Now Philadelphia about bringing one of Atlantic City’s finest restaurants to the region. “I live in the area,” the restaurateur explains. “I have 5 children, 3 in the Moorestown district. The AC location has been very successful but it’s seasonal. The Moorestown location is close to home, and I can carry staff over between both locations.”
Murphy has been considering a second location for some time. “I’ve been working on it for 3 years, but when the Hash lease was coming up, they reached out to ask if we wanted to get into that space.”
The Moorestown Ryfe will share culinary DNA with its Atlantic City sibling but will be considerably more active. Murphy explains “It will be busier demographically-there’s more people in the area. We’ll probably see 5 to 6 times the volume.”
Murphy wants to ensure the new Ryfe feels like a part of the community. He is working with local partners, including an artist and interior decorator, to create a distinctive Moorestown feel. Additionally, Ryfe will provide a space for local craftspeople to promote their businesses.
Murphy states “There’s a portion of the bar that has a canopy over it. Now, we’re going to get rid of most of it but keep one section over the end. We’ll highlight local vendors in that hut area, to cross promote other businesses and vendors.”
Murphy and his crew hope to create a warm environment that is welcoming to every possible customer. Murphy says “The whole design of the place is inclusivity and positivity. That was always what I wanted Ryfe to be and what I want to bring here. We have something for everyone-we’re kid friendly and we promote different styles and cuisines.”
Murphy anticipates opening the restaurant, which has room to accommodate around 250 guests, in March, depending on licensing and permitting. Additionally, the space requires some renovation; Murphy explains that he is replacing the restaurant’s current industrial look with something homier and more inviting.
Moorestown residents can anticipate a memorable and welcoming experience once Ryfe opens its doors. Murphy explains: “We try to offer something for everyone. The environment is about positivity and inclusivity-they’re the 2 main things. We want to bring care and thoughtfulness into everything we do.”
