New Reel Inn owners feel welcomed

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) For non-locals, the Reel Inn isn’t easy to find, but when the White Marlin Open comes around, the hidden gem shines bright.

“If you don’t know where it’s at, you’re not finding it,” said Matt Rishkofski, who owns and operates the Reel Inn restaurant with his wife, Julie, and their son, Zack.

Julie handles the kitchen, ordering and cooking, Zack manages the front of the house and Matt takes care of the business end.

This restaurant is tucked away in the Harbour Island community off 14th Street, bayside. Someone who hasn’t visited before might find themselves pulling into well-marked Reel Inn parking spots, then exiting their car and spinning in circles trying to pinpoint its location.

“For the local people, they love that fact. It keeps the tourists away and whatnot, and that’s wonderful, but you still have to sustain a business so you can’t primarily rely on just the local people,” Matt said. “You do need some outside tourists to support you, to make it.”

That’s why the Reel Inn website gives specific directions to walk behind the Holiday Real Estate office and follow the path that leads behind the community’s pool on the marinaside dock.

At that point, the big red letters over the sliding glass door to the bar can’t be missed.

Although, the Rishkofskis didn’t need to find it on foot. Zack found the restaurant listed for sale online and brought the idea to his parents.

The Rishkofskis hail from the northeast Pennsylvania town of Berwick, where they owned Bandits Roadhouse Bar and Grill for 18 years. They also owned a home in West Ocean City and frequented the resort, so the family closed the deal on the Reel Inn, sold everything in Pennsylvania and moved to the coast full-time.

Ownership officially transferred April 21, the family said.

“The community’s been very receptive to change of ownership and