Joey Merlino

Joey Merlino, born Joseph Salvatore Merlino on March 13, 1962, is an American businessman, restaurant owner, and former mobster associated with the Philadelphia crime family.

Joseph Salvatore Merlino (born March 13, 1962), known as Joey Merlino, is an American businessman, restaurant owner, and former mobster associated with the Philadelphia crime family. He was widely reported as the family’s reputed boss from the 1990s until 2024, though he has denied involvement in organized crime. In recent years, he has shifted toward public-facing business and media activities.

Early life

Joseph Salvatore Merlino was born in Philadelphia in 1962. Reporting and secondary sources describe him as coming from a family already connected to Philadelphia organized crime.

Rise in the Philadelphia crime family

Merlino became prominent during the violent internal struggle against the John Stanfa faction in the 1990s. Sources say he gained influence after that conflict and was later regarded as the family’s boss. He has denied involvement in organized crime.

Legal cases and imprisonment

Merlino was repeatedly investigated and prosecuted in connection with organized-crime-related activity. Sources describe convictions and prison terms, including racketeering-related cases and later legal trouble tied to gambling.

Later public life

In recent years, Merlino has appeared in interviews and media, while also promoting restaurants and a podcast. Coverage in 2024 and 2025 says he was focused on business ventures rather than criminal leadership. Public reporting in 2024 described him as having been removed or “shelved” by the family.