Haddon Township is introducing a town wide Happy Hour initiative. The programming aims to help drive traffic to local restaurants and highlight the area’s culinary scene.

Starting July 31, participating establishments will offer patrons exclusive food and drink specials every Thursday 3–p.m., according to the Haddon Township Business Improvement District.

As one of the only municipalities in Camden County where businesses can serve alcohol, Haddon Township is known for its bar scene. Now, with its newly launched “Almost Friday” program, HTBID hopes to make the town the “Happy Hour Capital” of South Jersey.

Longtime Mayor Randall Teague said he believes it will provide “a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses and celebrate what Haddon Township has to offer.” He also called it “a great way to start the weekend and highlight the unique charm of our town.”

According to the Haddon Township Business Improvement District, the following restaurants and bars are participating in Almost Friday:

• The Taproom at Santucci’s
• Rexy’s
• Central Taco and Tequila
• The Pour House
• P.J. Whelihan’s
• Treno Pizza Bar
• Keg & Kitchen
• Reunion Hall
• goodbeet

For more information click here.

Openings and expansions

HTBID also highlighted a wave of business openings and expansions, including:

• Apothecary and gift shop 8th & Ash Co.’s relocation to a larger space at 123 Haddon Ave.
• Martial arts academy Foxhound BJJ’s launch at 108 Haddon Ave.

Grand openings set for later this summer include Caffe Cacio e Pepe, a flagship concept of Albertino’s Italian (144 Haddon Ave.) and Basak Premium Turkish Bakery (148 Haddon Ave.), HTBID said.

Later this fall, the area will see the arrival of specialty food establishment Uncommon Pantry Culinary Essentials & Tasteful Gifts (162 Haddon Ave.) and Philadelphia-born Angelo’s Pizza (310 Black Horse Pike). The Westmont Diner is also expected to reopen following a kitchen fire in April, HTBID said.