Chef Mike Jurusz to Open New Fine Dining Restaurant in Seaside Heights

The former owner of Chef Mike's ABG is launching a new dinner-only, upscale eatery called Chef Mike's Legacy.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a chef's whisk repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in bold, neon-like colors that transform the everyday kitchen tool into a modern pop art statement.The vibrant, pop art-inspired visuals of Chef Mike's Legacy aim to capture the elevated dining experience and culinary creativity coming to Seaside Heights.Seaside Heights Today

Several months after the closure of his longtime restaurant, Chef Mike's ABG, in southern Seaside Park, Chef Mike Jurusz is preparing to open a new fine-dining establishment called Chef Mike's Legacy in Seaside Heights. The new restaurant, which will be located at the Hershey Motel, will feature a seasonal menu with favorites from Jurusz's previous restaurant as well as new vegetable-forward dishes. Chef Mike's Legacy will have 80 seats inside and an additional 30 on an outdoor patio, and will offer reservation-only dinner service as well as a happy hour menu with shareable small plates.

Why it matters

The opening of Chef Mike's Legacy represents an opportunity for Seaside Heights to attract more upscale dining options and continue the ongoing redevelopment of the beach town. Jurusz hopes the new restaurant will draw other chefs to the area and help establish Seaside Heights as a dining destination.

The details

Chef Mike's Legacy will be located at the Hershey Motel, 1415 Boulevard in Seaside Heights, in a space that was most recently occupied by Dina's Bistro. The new restaurant will feature a liquor license and a bar built into the dining room. Jurusz plans to cover the outdoor patio with an awning and add trees and lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu will feature favorites from Chef Mike's ABG, such as scallops, sea bass, and crab cakes, as well as new vegetable-forward dishes like crispy char siu grilled cabbage. Dinner will be reservation-only, but a happy hour menu with shareable small plates will be open to walk-ins.

  • Chef Mike's ABG closed in late 2025 after the property was sold.
  • Chef Mike's Legacy is aiming to open by Memorial Day 2026.

The players

Chef Mike Jurusz

A longtime Shore chef who previously owned and operated Chef Mike's ABG in southern Seaside Park. He is now preparing to open a new fine-dining restaurant called Chef Mike's Legacy in Seaside Heights.

Chef Mike's ABG

Jurusz's previous restaurant that closed in late 2025 after the property was sold.

Chef Mike's Legacy

Jurusz's new fine-dining restaurant set to open in Seaside Heights, featuring a seasonal menu with favorites from his previous restaurant as well as new vegetable-forward dishes.

Hershey Motel

The location where Chef Mike's Legacy will be opening, at 1415 Boulevard in Seaside Heights.

Dina's Bistro

The restaurant that most recently occupied the space where Chef Mike's Legacy will be opening.

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What they’re saying

“We are so excited to team up with Seaside and to bring fine dining to Seaside Heights.”

— Chef Mike Jurusz, Owner, Chef Mike's Legacy

“When people see how well we're going to do, it's going to draw other chefs to the area.”

— Chef Mike Jurusz, Owner, Chef Mike's Legacy

“I'm so focused, more than I've ever been.”

— Chef Mike Jurusz, Owner, Chef Mike's Legacy

What’s next

Chef Mike's Legacy is aiming to open by Memorial Day 2026, with Jurusz working to finalize the menu and prepare the new restaurant space.

The takeaway

The opening of Chef Mike's Legacy in Seaside Heights represents an opportunity for the beach town to attract more upscale dining options and continue its ongoing revitalization. Jurusz's focus and passion for the new venture suggest he is poised to deliver a high-quality dining experience that could help establish Seaside Heights as a culinary destination.