Harry Watson Hackney was born in New Jersey and opened his first restaurant on the Boardwalk in 1912. Destined for greatness, Hackney's had enough business to remain open year-round by the later 1920s. Pretty remarkable for what was once a seasonal destination. It was known as America 's Largest Sea Food Restaurant, taking up an entire city block. With a seating capacity of 3,200, Hackney's was once the star of the New Jersey surf!
