Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle
Somers Point’s retail market continues to attract investment, with Dave’s Hot Chicken and Jersey Mike’s Subs planned for Ocean Heights Plaza.
The restaurants will join the ShopRite-anchored shopping center at 319 Bethel Road, along with Ross Dress for Less, which is scheduled to hold its grand opening Oct. 10.
The additions provide more dining and shopping options for year-round residents and visitors from neighboring Shore communities. They also signal continued confidence in Somers Point as a regional retail destination.
Dave’s Hot Chicken began in 2017, when chef Dave Kopushyan and childhood friends Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan pooled $900 to launch a pop-up restaurant in an East Hollywood parking lot in Los Angeles. Rubenyan’s brother, Gary, later joined the founding team.
Kopushyan previously trained in chef Thomas Keller’s restaurant organization, which includes The French Laundry in California’s Napa Valley. The founders combined that culinary experience with a simple concept centered on Nashville-style hot chicken offered at different heat levels. Social media attention and a favorable Eater Los Angeles review helped the business gain a following.
The company announced in April 2026 that it had surpassed 400 restaurants worldwide. Its New Jersey directory lists 13 locations, including restaurants in Cherry Hill, Sicklerville, Brick and Ocean Township. The Somers Point restaurant would be the company’s first Atlantic County location.
The fast-casual restaurant specializes in chicken tenders and sliders. Customers can choose from seven spice levels, ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” The menu also includes fries, cheese fries, macaroni and cheese, chicken bites and shakes. The company advertises that it serves halal chicken.
Dave’s Hot Chicken began franchising in 2019 through a partnership that included Bill Phelps, co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels. Franchise operators have driven much of the company’s expansion. Brixmor Property Group, the owner of Ocean Heights Plaza, lists a 3,000-square-foot space for Dave’s near Norman’s Hallmark.
Jersey Mike’s has roots at the Jersey Shore. Its predecessor, Mike’s Subs, opened in Point Pleasant in 1956. Peter Cancro began working there as a teenager and bought the shop in 1975, when he was 17, with financial assistance from his high school football coach, who was also a banker.
Cancro expanded the business and began franchising in 1987 under the Jersey Mike’s name.
The company reported 3,378 restaurants systemwide as of June 28, 2026. Its online directory lists 148 New Jersey locations. The company’s U.S. network included 3,322 franchised restaurants and 26 company-owned locations as of that reporting date.
Jersey Mike’s is known for meats and cheeses sliced to order, bread baked in its restaurants and subs prepared for each customer. Ordering a sub “Mike’s Way” adds onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil and spices. The menu also includes hot subs, chips, cookies, beverages and catering options.
Brixmor lists a 1,774-square-foot space for Jersey Mike’s near the other new additions. Grand-opening dates for Dave’s Hot Chicken and Jersey Mike’s had not been announced as of publication.
The development at Ocean Heights Plaza is part of wider commercial growth in Somers Point. Projects involving Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Aldi and independent restaurants are also contributing to the city’s expanding retail and dining market.
Ocean Heights Plaza encompasses approximately 179,183 square feet, and Brixmor estimates that the center receives more than 3 million visits annually. Its mix of grocery shopping, discount retail, restaurants and services is designed to encourage repeat visits and provide additional customer traffic for neighboring businesses.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. They are the lifeblood of the community.
Rich Baehrle is a real estate broker-associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors, in Northfield. With 43 years of experience, he specializes in commercial, investment and residential real estate throughout South Jersey. Contact him at 609-226-6680 or richardbaehrle@gmail.com.
