About Us
Proudly Serving Delaware County Since 1994
“J.D. McGillicuddy’s was founded in 1994 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania by Tom Thornton of Havertown. It has become quite the local favorite ever since. In 1998, the second McGillicuddy’s opened in Drexel Hill, in what used to be the Waverly Movie Theater. In 2000, we opened at the Jersey shore in North Wildwood; this is where our famous clam chowder and crab cakes were born. As with all investments, sometimes the right opportunity comes along. It was decided to sell our locations in Drexel Hill and North Wildwood. The Pubs have since expanded again. In the fall of 2004, J.D. McGillicuddy’s opened in what used to be O’Malley’s in Upper Darby. In the fall of 2005, McGillicuddy’s Catering Co. started running the kitchen and Banquet Hall at The West End Boat Club in Essington. Then, in February of 2006, JD McGillicuddy’s opened at the Tinicum Inn, also in Essington.
Now, the question our patrons always seem to ask is, “Who Is J.D. McGillicuddy?” It all starts with a tale of 2 fishermen, the best of friends… A good friend and I were out fishing one day and he turned to me and said “why don’t you name a pub after me?” The Pubs were named after John D. McDonald, or to everyone who knew and loved him simply, Jack. This name “JD McGillicuddy’s” comes from the name my children had given to Jack over the years. Jack always brought a smile to your face, whether or not you knew him. Our great friend passed in March of 2001, however his name and his legacy lives on just the way he knew it… So raise your glass to J.D. McGillicuddy!!”
Thomas D. Thornton
Founder & CEO, J.D. McGillicuddy’s Pubs of the USA
August 3, 2011