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The eatery features creole cuisine and live rhythm and blues and jazz.
In 2017, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Mike and Chèrie Gillespie purchased a South Jersey building with the vision of opening an upscale restaurant and live music lounge.
Shortly thereafter, a snowstorm caused the roof to cave in, delaying their plans. The global pandemic, a massive renovation, and two years later, the pair have finally opened Essie’s Restaurant & Lounge at 1 Garfield Ave. in Clementon, across from Clementon Park & Splash World.
“We are so incredibly thankful and relieved that we are finally open,” said Mike Gillespie.
The Gillespies, who live in Gloucester County, also own a barbershop and salon, as well as real estate investments and other ventures.
The bi-level restaurant, which features creole and southern cuisine, has 97 seats downstairs, 58 upstairs, and another 20 outside when outdoor dining launches in the fall.
Essie’s will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., with dinner served until 10 p.m., and small plates available in the lounge and at the bar until midnight.
Weekend brunch will launch later this summer.
There’s a sizable stage in the dining room, with live music planned for Tuesdays and Saturdays, and DJs playing nightly on both floors.
The steps going upstairs are piano keys, and the upstairs décor features a wall of gold records, a DJ booth, and a private dining room that can accommodate 12-15 guests.
The downstairs bar features 10 seats and 10 beers on draught, while the upstairs bar/lounge contains four barstools, casual seating, and bottle service, which will be available nightly.
“We want this restaurant and lounge to have a cool vibe like the best jazz clubs in Philly and New York,” said Chèrie Gillespie. "We want Essie’s to become the hottest supper club in South Jersey, and we are confident that we have the right chef and the right team to make our dream a reality.”
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