Headline: Blackwood’s New Tavern Moves Into Former Favorites Spot — What Drivers Off I‑295 and Neighbors Should Know
By Ari Williams | Category: News — Gloucester Township
There’s movement on Blackwood‑Clementon Road: the long‑vacant Favorites betting parlor is being transformed into a neighborhood tavern, and for residents and travelers who use I‑295 to get around Camden County, this small commercial change matters more than you might think.
What’s happening
Signage and building work at the property on Blackwood‑Clementon Road confirm a tavern is under development inside the former Favorites location. The project — reported locally and visible from the road — will turn a shuttered gaming parlor into an eat‑and‑drink destination aimed at neighborhood diners and people passing through the Blackwood area.
Why this matters to Gloucester Township and I‑295 travelers
– Local economy: Reusing an existing storefront keeps a property on the tax rolls, creates construction and hospitality jobs, and brings paying customers back to a corridor that’s a short hop from I‑295. For businesses along the same strip, a new tavern can mean more foot traffic and late‑day sales.
– Location and access: Blackwood‑Clementon Road is one of the main commercial spines in Gloucester Township, serving residents and commuters. For people coming off I‑295 to run errands or grab dinner, another restaurant option within minutes of the highway makes the exit more valuable — particularly on weeknights and weekends when restaurant demand is high.
– Adaptive reuse trend: Across South Jersey, municipalities have been encouraging the repurposing of underused commercial properties instead of letting them sit vacant. Turning a former gambling parlor into a tavern fits that pattern and helps stabilize retail strips that have felt the churn of changing retail habits.
– Neighborhood considerations: Taverns bring vibrancy, but also questions about parking, late‑night activity, and traffic flow. Neighbors and township officials will likely be watching how the business manages deliveries, parking overflow, and noise — issues that come up whenever a new late‑service venue opens in a mixed residential/commercial area.
How this location fits into the local map
If you look at Blackwood on Google Maps, the Blackwood‑Clementon Road corridor is a hub of small shops, chain eateries, and service businesses serving nearby neighborhoods and commuters. Drivers leaving I‑295 and heading into Gloucester Township often use these commercial strips, which makes them ideal places for restaurants that want both steady local customers and occasional highway traffic. The ease of access from nearby arterials is a practical plus for any tavern owner.
What residents and nearby business owners are saying
Local sentiment generally divides along familiar lines. Many welcome redevelopment that replaces an empty storefront and brings jobs; others raise standard concerns about parking and noise. If you want a sense of community reaction, takers often post to neighborhood Facebook groups and local comment threads on sites like Patch and NJ.com when a new restaurant moves in. Yelp will likely be the place customers judge the tavern once it opens — expect early reviews to shape how the place is perceived by people driving in from the highway.
What to watch for next
– Permits and approvals: Keep an eye on Gloucester Township zoning and building applications — municipal filings will show the timeline and any special approvals (outdoor seating, signage, expanded hours).
– Parking and traffic changes: If you drive off I‑295 to get to this part of Blackwood, watch for construction impacts and eventual changes in curbside activity. A new draw to the area can change peak‑time congestion.
– Opening date and menu: Once the owner posts a public listing (on Google Maps, their own website, or social pages), 295Times will share the details — hours, menu highlights, capacity, and whether they’ll focus on a neighborhood bar vibe, family dining, or both.
– Community input opportunities: Township meetings or public notifications will be the place for neighbors to raise concerns or support plans. If you live nearby, monitor Gloucester Township’s calendar for any hearing related to the project.
Why 295Times readers should care
This is the kind of locally focused development that shapes daily life more than flashy, region‑wide projects. For folks who live near Exit access to Blackwood, or who regularly use I‑295 to get to work, shopping, or weekend plans, the replacement of a vacant business with an active tavern is practical news: it affects traffic, dining options, and the character of the commercial strip that serves your neighborhood.
I’ll keep watching municipal filings, local comment threads, and public listings (Google Maps, Yelp, and the owner’s social pages) and will post updates here as the tavern moves toward opening. If you have photos from the site, firsthand reporting, or questions about how this could affect your block, send them my way and I’ll include community input in the next update.
— Ari Williams, 295Times.com
