If you’ve ever sipped a towering milkshake under the glow of neon lights at Nifty Fifty’s, you know it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a time machine back to the 1950s. Think jukebox vibes, chrome accents, hand-cut fries, and burgers you can’t help but Instagram. And now, that retro magic may soon be coming to Haddon Township.
From Newton Diner To Nifty Fifty’s
The proposed site is 931 White Horse Pike, a lot with history (and a little heartbreak). It was once home to the Newton Diner, which tragically burned down about 15 years ago and has sat vacant ever since. The lot has been a glaring “what could be” for years, and Nifty Fifty’s has stepped up with a plan to bring it back to life—complete with a brand-new building.
Unlike the Turnersville flagship (with its arcade games and mini-golf), the Haddon Township location would focus on the classic diner experience: burgers, cheesesteaks, chicken tenders, fries, and of course, their famous milkshakes.
What’s The Hold-Up?
Before you start lining up for banana splits, there’s one big hurdle: approval from the Haddon Township Planning/Zoning Board. The chain is asking for some special permissions—mostly tied to signage (translation: lots of neon), fencing, and spacing from nearby residential areas. A public hearing was scheduled for July 10, 2025, but was later postponed.
Why This Location Makes Sense
The lot is in a prime spot: right on the White Horse Pike, close to the newly built Wawa, and just steps from The Ritz Theater Company. Imagine grabbing dinner at Nifty Fifty’s before catching a show—it’s the kind of pairing that could help drive new life (and new traffic) into the area.
What It Means For The Community
If approved, this isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a chance to:
- Revive a long-vacant property with something fun and family-friendly
- Boost local business traffic, especially with theater-goers and Wawa regulars nearby
- Give residents another local dining option
Not only that, but upgrading an empty lot to a thriving business is likely to boost local home values, so take this opportunity to check your value now:
Home values have appreciated rapidly over the last few years so if you want to know the value of your South Jersey home, click here. And if you've got questions about living, buying, or selling, in the South Jersey and Phildelphia Region, complete the form below.
