The restauranteur behind Mexican restaurant Tacodelphia is going down the Shore.

Florian Furxhiu — who drew criticism in 2017 for initially naming his South Philly restaurant Illegal Tacos — plans to open a new Mediterranean concept at the shuttered Backfin Blues Bar and Grill in Wildwood.

Backfin permanently closed at the beginning of the pandemic. The single-story, 5,500-square-foot building includes a rooftop bar and deck with views of the bay. It's located at 517 W. Rio Grande Ave. across from the "Welcome to the Wildwoods" sign visible when you enter Wildwood from Rio Grande.

Furxhiu signed a five-year lease for the space. He plans to create a new concept, Santorini, to offer "Mediterranean dishes with authentic Greek and Italian flair." Vantage Commercial Real Estate represented him in the deal. Terms of the lease were not disclosed.

Santorini is set to open in April.






Article by Michelle Caffrey at bizjournals.com