'Food Network' star plans Camden restaurant

I love his show and I would be sure to eat at his place but I am also retired law enforcement and can legally carry a concealed weapon to protect myself. I admire his thought but I am not so sure Camden is ready for him. Either way I support him.

All of the negative commentators have obviously never been to Camden period, let alone the area the restaurant is going to be located. It is a block away from Rutgers and close to two other schools that combined have over 10,000 students enrolled. The top tier law school attracts students from across the nation and a brand new high rise graduate dorm was just completed at 4th and Cooper. I feel much more secure in Cooper's Grant and the University District in Camden than most of Philadelphia. This new restaurant will be a great addition to a neighborhood that already has several other casual restaurants but only one that serves alcohol. Hopefully this new high profile business along with Cooper River Distillery, located only a block away and just waiting on its NJ permit to open, will help spur further commercial development of the area.

Some enterprising youth will start a Kelvar Vest renting business that you should wear prior to going to his restaruantant and call the business, "After Six-Run".

It's an extremely noble idea. Obviously no one wants to see Camden keep failing and continue to be a burden on the county and the state of New Jersey itself. History says his venture will fail.

Maybe he can prove me and everyone else wrong.

Ummmm I have worked in Camden for the last 13 years. I'm sure this guy has all the best intentions for himself and for his hometown but, I say but again. This city is many years away from being a place where you can start a successful resturant like I'm sure he wants. When I leave work I dont ever think about coming back into the city. It is pure dangerous and the DRUGS and crime are rampant. North Camden...Lost cause!!! and all the other areas like broadway..to Glou city arent far behind. If he does open you'll be reading about the first fight amongst diners or a shooting outside over a parking spot....

I like this guy. He has been on several Bar Rescue shows. I would love to try out some of his grub but since the Peoples Republic of New Jersey frowns upon self protection....fugetabouit

Didn't the DRPA take toll money and "loan" it to him or his first go around? It may have been another person. I would love to see him write a business plan and try to get a loan from a stone faced banker. Most likely he gets the money from the taxpayers and throws the dice. Hopefully the lenders will have some of own skin in the game. Good luck.

Nothing about him cute or sexy but unfortunately that's usually the case with men who have something going for them besides looks. Guess that's the trade-off.

That's a great idea for the people of Camden who can afford a night out. But seriously, is anyone going to cross the bridge or come in from the SJ burbs?

It better be cheap, there's no money in Camden but drug money an d they are to drugged up to eat.

I loved Aaron McCargo in "Scrubs".

Prejudice in Philly? Not according to these comments.

I'd patronized his establishment. I liked his show. He really knows how to cook the stuff I like to eat.

Good for him! How else do you think cities like Camden get out of the gutter (see Harlem)? Certainly not from governement subsidies (there's no money in it for them so why would they help?). How about you guys grow a pair and try something new and "dangerous" instead of the closest Fogo de Chao or Cheesecake Factory? And help a struggling community? And maybe realize that Camden isn't THAT bad?

If your neighborhood was going down the drain, you would either a) move, because you're selfish and a coward or b) support your local community. Assuming you aren't selfish, the only difference between your local community and Camden is distance, and the level to which your community has plunged. If you have the money, do what you would do for your neighbor and eat at his restraunt to support him.

I understand that the dude building this restaurant has money, so he doesn't necessarily need it, however, raising the standard encourages others to come to the area. This creates jobs. Jobs create revenue. Revenue creates opporunity. Opportunity creates more business. Businesses create jobs. All of this creates a good environment for what really matters, and that is a safe environment for the next generation to continue the cycle. This ultimately creates a more brotherly culture which, ironically, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have no current understanding of. I know it's just trying out a new restaurant, but you have to create the momentum somehow.

He's from Camden so I'm sure that has something to do with it also. I wish him luck.

Why does anybody have a problem with this man trying to make an effort to set up a legitimate business?

Does this guy have a sudden burning desire to run himself into bankruptcy?? That's the only reason I can think of as to why anyone in their right mind would want to try to start a business in Camden!

It's not his money so once the $100K is gone so is the restaurant.

He is opening it in Camden because of the $100K GRANT...which he wouldn't have to pay back if it fails; it's a no-lose proposition for McCargo.

The better question is, "Why is the city of Camden spending $100K on grants when the money is surely needed just about everywhere else?" It's akin to investing in swampland.

I will pass on crossing the bridge to Camden anytime soon.

Looks like a real baller in Camden.

Those of you with your nasty comments about Camden: Have you every step foot in the city?

I have been coming here for more than 20 years, I heard a gunshot once! I live in one of the safest part of Philly and I heard gunshots 2-3 times!

Depending where in the city, a bistro can survive!

I applaud him for doing this; as risky as it is. Someone has to be brave and do things like this if Camden is ever going to change. Also, we don't know the exact location. Maybe it is on the waterfront near the stadium.

The only problem I see is, how will you pass my plate through the bullet proof glass?

Big Daddy’s House is a good show and Aaron seems like a really nice guy but I have to question his location choice. I can't see anyone really wanting to risk venturing into Camden to try his food. Its much safer to use one of his recipes in your own home.

bring guns.