Philadelphia Restaurateurs to Reopen Salty Mermaid in North Wildwood

The group plans a mid-April weekend reopening, with full service by Memorial Day.

Courtney McGinley Regional Reporter
Photo: Official

A trio of Philadelphia restaurateurs is set to take over a second location in North Wildwood this upcoming season.

Gent Mema, Orbelin Bitraj and Joshua Friedberg plan to reopen Salty Mermaid Bar & Grille at 2507 Delaware Ave., according to The Philadelphia Business Journal.

The group, known for their Italian-focused portfolio, operates Antica Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, Granaio Italian Restaurant, The Library in Collegeville and Versante in Schwenksville.

The Salty Mermaid closed at the end of the 2025 season.

“After seven wonderful, crazy busy seasons of serving you, we made the decision to sell The Salty Mermaid.  Although new owners will be coming in–they plan to keep many of your favorite meals and drinks on the menu! They love the place just as much as you all do!” the restaurant’s website reads.

The news follows the group’s December announcement that they are also taking over the former Trio North Wildwood site at 700 New Jersey Ave., Mema confirmed in a phone call with What Now Philadelphia.

Friedberg told the outlet rising shore real estate values and growing demand for high-end dining drew the group to North Wildwood, and they plan to reopen Salty Mermaid for weekend service by mid-April, expanding to full service by Memorial Day ahead of peak season.

What Now Philadelphia reached out to the team. This article may be updated.

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Regional Reporter
Courtney McGinley is a Regional Reporter based in Pittsburgh, PA. A graduate of Penn State University's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, she has been working as a journalist since earning her degree. Before joining What Now Media Group, Courtney was a Live News Fellow at Newsweek, where she gained experience in writing, breaking news reporting, interviewing, and editing. She was also nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.
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