Kelsey’s Atlantic City Honored with the Economic Growth & Development Award

In Atlantic City, progress is not just measured in buildings or investments — it is reflected in the success of the small businesses that form the city’s backbone. Through its Keep It Local campaign, led by the Economic Development division under the Planning & Development Department, the City of Atlantic City recognized the vital role that local entrepreneurs play in shaping the community’s future.

One highlight of this effort was the presentation of the Economic Growth & Development Award to Kelsey’s Atlantic City, a local restaurant that has become a cultural landmark. For years, owners Kelsey and Kimberly Jackson worked tirelessly to serve not only food, but also hospitality that felt like home.

From its very beginning, Kelsey’s was more than a place to eat. It was a gathering space where neighbors could share southern comfort meals, enjoy live music, and feel connected. It showed how a business could grow into a community institution, weaving itself into the everyday life of Atlantic City.

With three locations across the city, Kelsey’s also became a driver of local economic activity. By welcoming both residents and visitors, it drew people into neighborhoods, fueled local spending, and created job opportunities. In doing so, it embodied the spirit of growth and resilience that defines Atlantic City.

The recognition of Kelsey’s demonstrated how local businesses reflect the larger momentum happening in the city. As Atlantic City invested in its neighborhoods, public spaces, and small enterprises, the success stories of people like the Jackson family became proof that the city’s vision of renewal was not only possible but already taking shape.

Receiving the award was described by Kelsey Jackson as “an honor and a privilege.” He emphasized that the acknowledgment was a testament to the dedication and effort put into the business over the years. Kimberly Jackson added that Atlantic City itself was “doing better than ever,” reflecting the citywide growth happening all around them.

Stories like Kelsey’s show why Atlantic City is more than a place to visit — it is a city to believe in. It is a place where hard work is recognized, where local culture thrives, and where economic development goes hand in hand with community spirit.

This recognition stood as a reminder that Atlantic City is not only a destination for entertainment but also a community where people can put down roots, build businesses, and create lasting impact. It is a city where individuals can find opportunity, connection, and pride.

Every award, every campaign, and every small business success adds to a bigger story — a story of a city moving forward together. Atlantic City is not just about what it offers to visitors; it is about what it provides to its own residents: a place to live, to work, and to grow.