Wilson's Restaurant & Live Jazz Lounge is Open
and is bringing live performances with an elevated menu to New Jersey.
Hi-Nella, NJ—Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Jazz Lounge opened on December 3rd, with Grace Little & the GLB Band taking the stage, and the New Orleans-inspired menu at the center of the restaurant’s culinary scene, led by Executive Chef Elijah Milligan.
Two years of planning and building by husband and wife business team, Mame and Mark Wilson’s dream of creating something for their community culminated into Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Jazz Lounge in South Jersey.
The venue space was unoccupied and an eyesore for the community, and after two years of planning and hard work, Mame and Mark Wilson transformed the previously unused space into a stunning new 7,800 square-foot, 350-seat restaurant and live music venue located at 709 South Warwick Road in Hi-Nella, New Jersey.
“The building was an eyesore, and our new supper club is something that we believe the area is really missing,” said Mark Wilson who continued, “The idea came when I was planning to retire from my job as a chemical engineer, and I realized I wanted to keep working and creating something for our community.”
And Mark Wilson is not new to the restaurant and lounge industry. Having grown up in Chicago where his father owned clubs, he was surrounded by venues that headlined artists like Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Guy.
“Growing up, my father owned clubs in Chicago where Buddy Guy and other luminaries would play. I grew up with a love for clubs and live music venues. I really love creating memories. I adore experiencing the vibe of a buzzing venue and I like challenges. Most of all, I really love meeting new people, and I cannot wait to meet our guests when we open the doors on Friday,” stated Mark.
Speaking of the entertainers who will perform at Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Jazz Lounge, they will be hand-picked by Music Industry leader, Rena Sinakin, who will be Wilson’s Music Director. Sinakin has worked with luminaries including John Lennon, Gladys Night and the Pips, and Richie Havens during her illustrious career as a producer, and as an artist some of her artwork adorns a variety of album covers.
“We plan to be a live entertainment venue known for extraordinary food and music, but also for a variety of entertainment,” said Mame Wilson. “We will host comedy nights and have a focus on keeping things interesting from night to night with more than just jazz, blues and dance music being featured.”
As for the menu, Executive Chef Elijah Milligan will create flavorful dishes that include large and small plates. Chef Milligan, who has previously worked at such prestigious restaurants like Le Bec-Fin and Vernick in Philadelphia, and Angele in the Napa Valley, recently returned to the region after a four-year stint in California.
Some of the menu items to look forward to include enticing comfort foods with a twist, like Crab Cake Egg Rolls, Oxtail Grilled Cheese, and Charred Broccolini Caesar salad. You can also look forward to succulent dishes such as Winter Squash Curry (with Vadouvan, Ginger-Scented Jasmine, Coconut Yogurt, and Pumpkin Seed), a warming Lobster Gumbo (with Smoked Sausage, Crawfish, Roasted Lobster Tail, and Carolina Gold Rice), or the Braised Short Rib in a Pinot Noir~Black Garlic Jus.
“Mark was very persistent when we first started talking about doing this,” said Mame. “I’m thankful for that, as we are now in a position that I’m incredibly proud to be in. Being able to open this venue in this community, and doing so with my husband who grew up around live music clubs is incredibly exciting. We can’t wait to get the doors open and host people from all over the region. We’re hoping to attract guests from all over New Jersey and beyond.”
Wilson’s Live will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays they will also feature a jazz brunch and dancing in the evening. For more information about Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Jazz Lounge, the performance schedule, and to purchase tickets, please visit https://wilsonslivemusic.com.