Chef Mike Bringing His Legacy to Seaside Heights

The Jersey Shore favorite is opening a new upscale restaurant at the Hershey Motel in Seaside Heights.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic burger icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the everyday burger into modern pop art.Chef Mike's signature burger, reimagined as a bold, pop art-inspired celebration of his culinary legacy on the Jersey Shore.Seaside Heights Today

After closing his popular restaurant Chef Mike's ABG in South Seaside Park due to redevelopment, renowned chef Mike Jurusz is opening a new upscale, dinner-only restaurant called Chef Mike's Legacy at the Hershey Motel in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The new restaurant is expected to open by summer 2026.

Why it matters

Chef Mike has become a Jersey Shore legend, known for his generosity, creativity, and ability to create an unforgettable dining experience. The closure of his beloved ABG restaurant was a major loss for the community, so the opening of his new venture is exciting news that will allow him to continue his culinary legacy in the area.

The details

After running the iconic Atlantic Bar and Grill in South Seaside Park and transforming it into the popular Chef Mike's ABG, Jurusz was forced to close the restaurant at the end of 2025 when the land was sold for redevelopment. Jurusz has spent months searching for a new location and has now announced he will be taking over the restaurant space previously occupied by Dina's Bistro at the Hershey Motel on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights. The new restaurant, called Chef Mike's Legacy, will be an upscale, dinner-only establishment expected to open by summer 2026.

  • Chef Mike's ABG closed at the end of 2025.
  • Chef Mike's Legacy is expected to open by summer 2026.

The players

Chef Mike Jurusz

A Jersey Shore culinary legend known for his generosity, creativity, and ability to create unforgettable dining experiences. He previously operated the popular Chef Mike's ABG restaurant in South Seaside Park.

Dina's Bistro

The restaurant previously occupying the space at the Hershey Motel in Seaside Heights that will now become Chef Mike's Legacy.

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What they’re saying

“One of the most meaningful experiences I've had in my career. And in true Chef Mike fashion, he didn't stop there. He went on to host a 'Mark the Shark' burger night, donating all proceeds to the Ashley Lauren Foundation to help other kids fighting cancer. That's just who he is.”

— Matt Ryan, Townsquare Media

What’s next

Chef Mike's Legacy is expected to open by summer 2026, offering an upscale dining experience in Seaside Heights.

The takeaway

Chef Mike's commitment to the local community and his ability to create memorable dining experiences have made him a Jersey Shore legend. The opening of his new restaurant, Chef Mike's Legacy, will allow him to continue his culinary legacy in the area after the closure of his beloved ABG restaurant.