After nearly five decades in the restaurant industry, Kevin and Janet Meeker are officially retiring. The longtime restaurateurs, who have operated Keg & Kitchen at 90 Haddon Avenue in Haddon Township for the past 15 years, have decided to retire — but not before ensuring their beloved restaurant passes into trusted hands.
“There were many offers over the years,” Kevin Meeker shared with South Jersey Food Scene. “I didn’t want to sell to just anybody. It was important to me to get assurances that my staff would remain employed with any new owner. People who work for me are my family. I wanted to make sure the new owners would take care of them.”
That thoughtful approach led the Meekers to sell to a group of familiar faces — the owners of Il Villaggio in Cherry Hill, who have been loyal Keg & Kitchen customers and friends for years.
The new owners, brother duos Artan and Arber Murtaj and Andi and Elton “Tony” Lelaj, are no strangers to the South Jersey restaurant scene. Their next venture, Duo Bar & Restaurant, will take over the Keg & Kitchen space later this year. They are waiting for the New Jersey ABC liquor license transfer to be completed.
Andi Lelaj describes Duo as “upscale but not fancy; elevated, not necessarily fine dining.” The new restaurant will cater to a range of diners, offering an atmosphere that’s equally suited for a date night, family dining, or watching the game at the bar.
The menu will feature American cuisine with global influences and a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Expect a diverse selection — from wings, burgers, and crab cake sandwiches to oysters, shrimp, and octopus appetizers. Entrées will include steak, chicken, veal, and homemade pastas, along with fresh fish and seafood sourced from Long Beach Island and produce from local farms in season.
Duo will also keep Keg & Kitchen’s 17 beer taps, ensuring a strong craft beer presence remains, which they know Keg & Kitchen became known for and is a big draw to longtime customers.
“We are so excited to bring this new concept to Haddon Township,” said Lelaj. “We wish Kevin and Janet a well-deserved retirement and are grateful to them for passing the torch to us. We think Duo will be a great fit for the community. We love the city vibe of Haddon Township. Duo will bring a new vibe to an already exciting area for dining options.”
As one local favorite bids farewell and another begins its journey, Haddon Avenue — stretching from Collingswood through Haddon Township to Haddonfield — continues to flourish as one of South Jersey’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. If you’re a Keg & Kitchen fan, make plans to visit soon before the transition begins!
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.