Brick Landmark Demolished: Red Lion is No More

Construction crews demolished the former Red Lion Inn on Friday.

The historic tavern closed its doors and took down its iconic Snoopy figure from its roof in January, but the building had remained standing at the corner of Hooper Avenue and Drum Point Road since.

That all came to an end Friday.

The demolition of the building will make way for a CVS Pharmacy slated to open early next year. Michael DeAngelis, a CVS spokesman, told Brick Patch construction on the new building would take place during the summer.

"I cant belive they're taking this down for another drugstore," said Maryann Jones, who came to look at the activity. "Its been a landmark forever. I am sorry to see it go, it's part of Bricks history."

Historical records show the tavern was built in 1926. According to the book "Images of America - Brick Township," the restaurant was founded by Joseph and Phyllis McClorry, who ran it until 1957, when it became Citta’s Red Lion Tavern. The Bottazzi family had operated it from 1977 until January.

Dean Enterprises Inc. of Tabernacle, Burlington County, is handling the demolition.