Whistler's Opens New 'Back Porch'

For nearly the last decade, the Bacon family who owns , the popular Cinnaminson bar and restaurant on Route 130, has wanted to expand.

“Finally, in the last three years,” Owner Matt Bacon said, “we really went at it full speed.”

The final product is “The Back Porch,” a huge outdoor deck complete with its own bar, stools, round tables with umbrellas and high-top tables. With finishing touches still being worked on—and the parking lot expansion not yet ready—when all is said and done, the expansion will be double the size of the current space.

This is Whistler’s 20^th year in business and Bacon said they’ve felt a hit due to the recession because the price of everything has gone up. But patrons have still come out to eat and drink.

“Fortunately, we’re really supported by the community,” Bacon said. “We’re definitely a place the local people come to, whether they’re from Cinnaminson, Riverton, Palmyra or Delran.”

The outdoor deck opened last month and site work is still finishing up on the parking lot; it should be done by September. Whistler’s also acquired the parking lot behind Collision Max as its own. Although most of the deck is covered, it’s not winterized just yet. Bacon said as long as the weather is nice, it will be open.

“People have really responded to it,” Bacon said, especially since they just added Boost slushies to the menu.

And, 10 more people were hired to accommodate the expanding business.

“We hire basically local people,” Bacon said.

The Bacon family has owned Whistler’s since 1991, when it was called the American House. Bacon said since then, it’s been a family thing. Not only can you bring the whole family to the restaurant, Bacon said, but also the employees have been brothers, sisters, cousins and more.

“I know people have been telling their friends,” Bacon said. “Every week, I see more people. “

Bacon received a proclamation from this week for he and his family’s work with Whistler’s.

“The township has been behind this project,” Bacon said. “They’ve been very, very pleasant to work with."

Committeeman Anthony Minniti, who serves as the director of economic development, said he and township committee think it's something special when a business decides to stay and expand in the township.

"We didn’t build a little shanty," Bacon said. "Hopefully this improves Cinnaminson. It's something to be proud of."

This story is part of Patch's ongoing look at the changing American Dream. Tell us about your version of the American Dream by emailing Local Editor Christina Paciolla at christina.paciolla@patch.com.