Bonfire celebrates 50 years of beloved fine dining buffet

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(July 28, 2023) A staple of the Ocean City restaurant scene is celebrating 50 years of service this year, starting as it did in 1973 on what was then the edge of town between 70th and 71st streets on Coastal Highway.

Owners Mark and Donna Leiner said the restaurant began primarily as a fine dining experience that, during the nights, would transform into a nightclub with prime bar service.

Since then, it has undergone a few changes, but still adheres to its quality food and consistent service, the Leiners said.

“It’s mostly families that come here,” Mark Leiner said, “and families got tired of fine dining because it would take you 20 minutes to get seated, see a menu, and have a waiter come to take your order. Then you’d have a 45-minute or a two-hour process for dinner and that’s a long time for kids to sit in seats.”

Because of this, he said, everyone just wanted everything brought to them right away.

“People don’t want to wait as long and buffets are the perfect answer for that,” he added.

“Another great thing about buffets

Difference between modular and manufactured houses

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(July 28, 2023) One common confusion is the difference between modular and manufactured homes. While both modular and manufactured homes are assembled in factories, they are built to two different codes.

Manufactured homes, or sometimes referred to as “mobile homes,” are built on permanent metal chassis and brought to the homesite with the metal chassis in place.

They are built in compliance with the federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, also called the HUD code, which preempts state and local codes.

In most cases, manufactured homes require more money down and financing options are more limited with 1520 year mortgage options versus the traditional 30-year loan.

In contrast, modular homes are built to the same International Residential Code, or IRC, as site-built homes, and must conform to state and local regulations.

Modular homes put on permanent foundations qualify for most all 30-year mortgage products.

In our local region, some familiar brand names such as Beracah and Clayton Homes are building them. Working in a factory has its advantages. Builders can control variables that could compromise and delay site-built construction, as well as modular houses are built from the inside out and all of the components are kept dry. And, proponents of modular construction say precision building on an assembly line also reduces waste during construction.

As our nation’s housing shortage continues to grow, it is expected that modular construction will grow in popularity.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.