Absecon’s Hi Point Pub Reopens With New Business Model

The Hi Point Pub in Absecon, the landmark on the corner of White Horse Pike and Shore Road in Absecon for more than 50 years reopens under new ownership and a new approach to business this weekend.

The new owner, Lilian Cortes-Peterson, who closed on the property in May, has been busy working on renovations, staffing and training, and getting things ready for this grand re-opening.

Cortes-Peterson said she wanted to incorporate Irish ascents into the restaurant and bar to match her husband's Irish roots. The name has been changed to Reddogs Hi Point Pub, and a new green sign, green front door, and green awnings now await guests.

Cortes-Peterson, who lives in Absecon, told me in May that she and her husband had many talks with the New Jersey ABC to guarantee they understood the responsibilities of a state liquor license.

The ABC was very interested in ensuring they didn't run into the problems that caused the previous owners to lose their liquor license and forced them to sell the business.

The couple planned to hire someone to oversee security and all bartenders had to attend training classes to learn how to tell if someone is intoxicated. Hi Point Pub also intends to do stringent ID checks to make sure all guests are over the age of 21.

The owner said they will focus on an older crowd at the new Hi Point Pub -- 'the over 30" set.

A former captain in the Army who has been working in telecommunications, Cortes-Peterson says she wants to bar to be active in the community and to be a nice place close by for locals to go.

She hopes to implement new features at Hi Point Pub like open-mike nights, Quizzo, karaoke, comedy nights, and live music on weekends.

In May, Cortes-Peterson said the Hi Point Pub menu would be somewhat pared-down, but favorites like the Hi Point special, the Reuben sandwich, and the crab bisque would remain. They also will be introducing some Irish dishes to the menu.

Opening day is Friday, July 14.