PJ Whelihan's Restaurant Celebrating 40th Year In Operation

DOYLESTOWN, PA — PJ Whelihan's, which opened a restaurant earlier this year at the Cross Keys Place Shopping Center in Doylestown, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month.

Founder Bob Platzer's first restaurant in Lehighton opened in 1983 under the name Platz’s and still thrives today, under the official name PJ Whelihan’s, a tribute to his grandfather, Peter Joseph Whelihan.

The heartbeat of the brand lies in its famed wings, a standout offering that's become synonymous with PJ Whelihan's success. The brand sells more than 10 million fresh, never frozen jumbo wings a year and offers 11 signature sauce options alongside a special featured flavor each season. The return of the beloved Half Price Wing Nite on Tuesdays, exclusively for PJs Pub Club members, has been an instant sensation, reinstating this cherished tradition.

Beyond its acclaimed wings and craft beer, PJ Whelihan's is celebrated as a neighborhood pub, catering to diverse audiences, from families and sports enthusiasts to happy hour attendees and weekend revelers seeking top-notch entertainment. Each location features state-of-the-art entertainment setups with over 50 televisions.

PJW Restaurant Group has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy. Three new PJs are slated for 2024 in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, Mays Landing, New Jersey and Delaware County. By the close of 2024, the target is 33 restaurants and $150 million in revenue, aiming for a 2.5 percent same-store increase. Expansion plans for 2025 are set to focus on Delaware, Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties in Pa.

“Our success at PJ Whelihan’s hinges on our commitment to being more than just a sports bar. We strive to be a beloved neighborhood pub where anyone can find a welcoming atmosphere, whether craving our famous wings, stopping by for a post-work beer, or enjoying a salad at lunch,” says Jim Fris, CEO of PJW Restaurant Group. Our team, menu innovation, and strong community ties are the fundamental pillars that have propelled us and will continue to guide our success.”