A popular restaurant with a long history in South Jersey has suddenly closed its doors and will likely file for bankruptcy, according to Egg Harbor Township Mayor James "Sony" McCullough.

The Library III at McCullough's Emerald Acres Golf Course in Egg Harbor Township failed to open for business Monday to the surprise of employees and the golf club where it leased space.

The Library III became a local staple during more than 40 years in its original location on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. When the restaurant lost its lease in that location in 2013, it relocated to McCullough's Emerald Green on Ocean Heights Avenue.

According to Shore News Today, Monday's sudden closing was completely unexpected by Mayor McCullough, for whom the golf club is named.

“We are very disappointed,” McCullough said, adding that he was told that the business is filing for bankruptcy. He said he believes owner Mike Costello of Egg Harbor Township knew of the closing in advance and declined to inform the township or his employees.

“He knew about this for a while and never said anything to anyone. It really puts us in a bad spot,” McCullough said.

The restaurant space is leased from the nonprofit golf corporation that runs the golf course, which reported at the time that it was able to collect more in rent when the Library moved in. According to the corporation’s treasurer Township Administrator Peter Miller, the current rent is $8,000 per month."

The McCullough's Emerald Green website still promotes the restaurant as a good place for a "refreshing beverage, quick snack, full meal, or a banquet affair, the Library III Steakhouse provides you with a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the golf course."

 

 

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