The LaScala Restaurant Group will bring creative pizza, artisan Italian food and world beers to Cooper River Park by the end of the year. LaScala's will occupy the former Cooper House, which is currently closed for renovations, county officials announced. An opening is targeted for early December, but no date had been set as of Tuesday.

"We are excited to partner with the LaScala Restaurant Group to bring this new casual concept to Cooper River Park," Freeholder Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department, said. "With its diverse menu and commanding view of the Cooper River, this will become another reason to visit one of Camden County's great public spaces."