Headline: Scarpinato’s Plans Move Into Wedgwood Country Club — What Washington Twp Drivers Along I‑295 Need to Know
By Ari Williams — 295Times.com
Category: News | Washington Township
If you’ve driven through Washington Township (Gloucester County) recently or grabbed a sandwich off Fries Mill Road, you’ve probably heard: Scarpinato’s is relocating. The longtime local spot says it will open a new home inside Wedgwood Country Club in early 2026 — but don’t panic if you’re used to their Fries Mill Road front door. That location remains open during the transition.
Why this matters to readers along I‑295
Washington Township is a patchwork of neighborhoods, shopping corridors and event venues bisected by the road network that funnels traffic to and from I‑295. Scarpinato’s move is a good example of how a small, family-oriented business can influence the local dining scene, traffic patterns, and even nearby commercial activity — all things drivers and residents who use I‑295 exits into town care about.
Quick context
– What’s moving: Scarpinato’s — a locally known restaurant and catering operation that’s earned steady word-of-mouth and positive reviews on community sites for its Italian-American menu, catering services and friendly service.
– Where to: Wedgwood Country Club in Washington Township, a long-established venue for weddings, banquets and golf events.
– When: Early 2026 is the target; the Fries Mill Road restaurant stays open until the new spot is ready.
Scarpinato’s: more than a restaurant
Locally owned places like Scarpinato’s matter because they’re woven into how towns work: they feed sports teams, supply party platters for church bazaars, and anchor routines — weekday lunch runs or Sunday dinners. Yelp and neighborhood chatter tend to highlight the catering, pizzas and subs that make Scarpinato’s a steady neighborhood draw. Moving into a country club setting suggests the owners see an opportunity to expand catered events, take advantage of built-in banquet business and offer a different dining experience while keeping the existing neighborhood base intact.
What the Wedgwood move could mean for Washington Twp and nearby exits
– More event traffic: Wedgwood hosts weddings, corporate functions and golf outings. With a resident food operation, expect concentrated peaks of traffic on event days. That matters to residents coming off local I‑295 exits who know Fries Mill Road and surrounding connectors well.
– Economic spillover: Country club patrons often use nearby hotels, florists, bakers and retail — an in-house restaurant could keep more event dollars in the local economy. Neighboring businesses near the club and along the routes leading from I‑295 exits may see more consistent weekday and weekend demand.
– Jobs and hours: A new venue typically means more staff and different operating hours. That can be a modest boost for local employment and for commuters who live nearby and use the exits into Washington Township.
– Local infrastructure pressure: Increased event traffic highlights the importance of clear signage, well-timed signals and adequate parking. Township planners and neighboring strip centers might want to watch how the flow changes and whether improvements are needed at critical intersections that link to I‑295.
Why the Fries Mill Road location staying open matters
Keeping the existing restaurant operating is a smart move by the owners for multiple reasons: it preserves revenue during the buildout, gives regulars continuity, and keeps staff employed. For drivers who use I‑295 exits nearest to Fries Mill Road, your go‑to lunch or catering pickup spot doesn’t disappear overnight.
How this fits broader local trends
Across the region, smaller independent restaurants are pursuing partnerships with event venues or shifting part of their business toward catering and private events to stabilize revenues. Washington Township has seen adaptive reuse and mixed-use development near major corridors, and this move echoes that pattern — a local business leveraging an established event space rather than building from scratch on a commercial strip.
Community reaction and sentiment
Local review sites and neighborhood forums tend to reflect fondness for businesses like Scarpinato’s. Longtime customers often emphasize consistent food quality and community ties; the relocation to Wedgwood has the potential to expand what the brand offers while keeping its local roots. Residents who depend on easy access from I‑295 will watch for changes in traffic flow and any new signage indicating the club’s dining offerings.
Practical takeaway for residents and travelers
– If you rely on Scarpinato’s for catering or regular meals, plan ahead but don’t expect an immediate closure — Fries Mill Road stays open through the move.
– Wedgwood’s location makes it convenient for people coming from different corners of South Jersey; keep an eye out for event-related traffic if you use the nearby I‑295 exits on weekends.
– Township officials and neighboring businesses should monitor peaks and consider small adjustments (parking, signage, signal timing) to keep traffic moving smoothly as operations ramp up in 2026.
We’ll keep following this and share updates as construction, menus or opening dates firm up. If you live near the club or use the local I‑295 exits, tell us: do you welcome the change, or are you worried about extra traffic? Email tips@295times.com or drop a note in the comments.
Notes and sources
– Location context from commonly available mapping services shows Wedgwood Country Club and Fries Mill Road as central places in Washington Township’s event and dining landscape.
– Local reviews on platforms such as Yelp reflect steady community support for Scarpinato’s food and catering offerings.
295Times will continue covering how this move shapes Washington Township’s local economy, traffic, and community life along the I‑295 corridor.
