By Erica Hoffman
After news broke last January that Philadelphia and Jersey Shore icon, Jerry Blavat, better known as “The Geator with the Heater,” had passed away, Blavat’s long-time fans worried about the future, or lack thereof, of Memories, his landmark establishment in Margate. On July 3, 2023, when friends and fans joined together to celebrate their beloved “Boss with the Hot Sauce’s” birthday, some thought it might be the last hurrah for Memories.
A glimmer of hope emerged as rumors swirled of a new owner coming forward to carry on Blavat’s legacy. Locals and “Yon Teens” can now breathe a sigh of relief. Memories: Blavat’s iconic bar and dance club has a new owner, and it is set to open by Memorial Day or, as many locals know it, the “unofficial start of summer.”
The anticipation of someone new taking the reins of the bar sent a strong sense of curiosity and hope among Margate’s residents and Memories fans who hold close to them the feelings of evenings spent reveling in the infectious energy of Blavat’s home away from home. The status of the unassuming white and blue landmark bar and dance club on the corner of Amherst and Madison avenues, directly across from the bay, has been a dilemma since Blavat’s passing: what to do with the club, which had been closed and up for sale until Wednesday, March 20.
The law firm Pozzuolo Rodden Pozzuolo and the executors of Blavat’s estate revealed they went through over 100 applicants for the famous property “The Geator” owned for over five decades. The team ultimately decided on another highly seasoned yet fresh-faced Philadelphia figure, Teddy Sourias, 43.
As president of Craft Concepts Group, Sourias is the brains behind Philadelphia hotspots such as Tradesman’s, Finn McCool’s, BRU, U-Bahn, Uptown Beer Garden, and two highly anticipated new spots: Mona, a chic Mediterranean restaurant 1308-10 Chestnut St., and a flashy Japanese-inspired restaurant at 1515 Market St.Expectations are for both to open in 2024. He was ultimately chosen as the club’s new owner, not only because of his proven track record in the bar and restaurant industry. His hefty financial backing, resources, and overall passion for preserving the venue’s seasoned and well-loved identity played a significant role in the major decision Blavat’s team had in front of them.
Sourias plans to honor Memories by keeping the name and its well-known oldies rock energy while making vast cosmetic improvements, including revamping the outdoor bar area to give this spot even more of a Jersey Shore vibe.
With the already palpable unwavering support of the community and the dedication of Sourias, the new Memories is likely to become not just a place to let loose and imbibe but also a living monument to the indelible mark left by one man’s passion and vision on Margate’s short yet mighty bayside skyline.
Erica Hoffman is Atlantic City born, Margate raised. Her columns range from feel good informative articles to interviews with people who have captivating stories to tell. Hoffman lives with her devoted and patient partner and their obnoxiously adorable cat.
