Charles & Helen Thomas - Founders

The Thomas Family has owned and operated Charlie's Bar in Somers Point since 1944. Originally located across the street on New Jersey Ave, the business moved to its current location in 1953. Built in 1896, the building was a store in the early 1900's. Throughout the years, parts of the building served as the post office, an ice cream parlor, and the A & P General Store. During the 1940's, while Charlie's operated a tap room in the front part of the building, the back section, where the dining room is today, was Gerety's Market, Burger Hut and Mother's Kitchen at various times. During the turn of the century, the Suburban Trolley Line turned onto New Jersey Avenue and ran enxt to the building. In addition, an ice house and barn behind the building housed horses for an ice truck.

Over the years, the building has undergone many changes. As you can see from early photos, a veranda style porch was enclosed to become part of our dining room and tavern area. Many updates have been made to the building's facade, as well as its interior. An interesting fact: hidden behind an interior wall is a large mural painted by local WPA painter Charles Shane.

Charlie's has been part of Somers Point's landscape and community roots since 1944. Today's establishment is both a restaurant and a tavern, an evolution from its early tavern roots across the street. Ownership and operation of Charlie's has passed through Four Generations of the Thomas Family and we hope to continue on the family Legacy. CHEERS!!!