Capt. Chuck Schumann Retires from the Sightseer

“If something goes without saying, let it.” ~Anon.

“WHILE YOU WERE AWAY. . “ New and Old Business

by Al Alven, the ‘Director of fun’ from WW365

There’s an old adage - practically cliche at this point - about the Wildwoods “coming back to life” each spring. Yet, there’s nothing typical about this year’s reawakening, which actually feels more like a revival. Last summer, while it seemed as if the entire world had been turned upside down, the local business community planted its collective feet in the sand and made it work. Though much uncertainty remains, and challenges persist in the forms of ongong restrictions and a severe workforce shortage, a vastly more positive and optimistic vibe has defined the approach to the 2021 season. Officials have pointed to unprecedented surges in real estate sales and early vacation bookings. All over the island, construction and important public works projects persist. Perhaps most surprising - new businesses abound! While the past year has not been without casualty, investor confidence in Five Mile Beach appears to be growing, as we continue to emerge from the grips of the pandemic...

CRESTIN’ THE WAVE We start this year down in Wildwood Crest, where a series of major projects that will bring big improvements to the borough are underway. A recentlycompleted renovation of Sunrise Park at Ocean & Rambler Avenues includes the addition of new playground equipment, a fitness area and a splash pad. In-process and future works to keep an eye on include a multi-purpose community center munity center at the site of the former borough library borough library at Wisteria Road, an extension and renovation of the iconic fishing pier at Heather Road and the eventual revitalization of the proposed downtown business district, along New Jersey Avenue between Wisteria and Heather Roads. A new entry within that zone is Barry’s Buns, at 6107 New Jersey Avenue. The husband-and-wife team of Joel and Jen Singer Jen Singer have expanded from their original bakery in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia with a delectable menu of goodies, highlighted by their signature sticky buns. The Crest location will also feature Nitro Coffee and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches.

MORE ‘WELCOME’ CHANGES Last summer saw the official rededication of the Rio Grande Boulevard entranceway in Wildwood, following the completion of roadwork, enhanced lighting and signage installation, and specialized landscaping. The new pump station is now operational and several structures have been cleared to make way for future construction. Adding to the “Doo Wop” stylings of the welcome corridor will be a new Sinclair gas station Sinclair gas station and convenience store, complete with retro design featuring the brand’s signature dinosaur. This will essentially take the place of the recently-demolished Riggins Gas Station Station at 325 Rio Grande Avenue. Closer to the foot of the George Redding Bridge, Philadelphia restaurateur Florian Furxhiu plans to open Santorini, a Mediterranean-themed concept, at the former home of Backfin Blues Bar & Grill. It should be noted that persistent rumors of forthcoming “Super” Wawa on Rio Grande Avenue remains just that - rumors. Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron has confirmed that there are no official plans for such an entry, and that the current “Doo Wop” Wawa on the south side of the boulevard will continue to operate as is (complete with newly refurbished signage).

IN THE HEART OF TOWN Each year, it seems, we are reminded that no institution lasts forever. Sadly, the iconic Big Blue Sightseer Big Blue Sightseer sailed its final voyage last August, and the view from Ottens Harbor will never be the same. Captain Chuck Schumann Captain Chuck Schumann made the announcement official, citing the economic effect of the COVID-19 pan-

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“WHILE YOU WERE AWAY. . “ New and Old Business

by Al Alven, the ‘Director of fun’ from WW365

demic, in a Facebook post in October. Schumann noted that the Sightseer had operated for 67 seasons, the first 25 with Captain Otto Stocker Captain Otto Stocker at the helm. Orange Moose Golf Carts Orange Moose Golf Carts has set up shop at 3200 Park Boulevard. In addition to its fleet of golf carts, the store will rent and sell Pedego Electric Bikes. Sensing a trend toward takeout and delivery services, Joseph Carpenter took a third of his dining space at The Wild Burrito Wild Burrito and converted it into The Boneless Bird Boneless Bird late last year. The two entities are operating simultaneously this season, with the latter specializing in chicken sandwich takeout at the corner of Ocean & Youngs Avenues. Classic family dining is back in fashion at Nan & Pop’s Kitchen Nan & Pop’s Kitchen, just steps off the Boardwalk at the northeast corner of Ocean & Wildwood Avenues (the longtime home of the Lobster Shack). Owners Christy & Jasen Mitchell Christy & Jasen Mitchell have created a unique experience that transports guests back to a simpler time once they walk through the doors - but we don’t want to give away too much! Nan & Pop’s Kitchen serves up “comfy, American cuisine” and will be CLOSED on Sundays.

DOWNTOWN HAPPENINGS In early March, the City of Wildwood revealed it’s Pacific Avenue Development Plan ment Plan, the goal of which is to support existing residents and businesses along the downtown corridor while attracting new investment in the area. Shortly after, an unexpected CAFRA permit issue arose, forcing a delay on several large-scale projects. These include already-approved redevelopment ventures by Philadelphiabased BG Capital BG Capital, including “100 E. Magnolia” project, which will eventually see 38 residential units built on the former site of St. Anne’s/Cape Trinity School, and the Residences on Pacific, a 28,000 square foot residential complex with street-level commercial units on the east side of the 3600 block of Pacific Avenue. The latter project will take the place of a block of former businesses (M.T. Bottle, 2nd Street Annie’s and Fairview Cafe) which cannot be demolished until the CAFRA situation is resolved. BG Capital has also acquired the west side of the 3800 block of Pacific, which includes the former VFW Post 3509 building. The old Garfield’s Restaurant at the other end of the block is the new home of The Wood bar/nightspot The Wood bar/nightspot. A few blocks north, across from Byrne Plaza, 5 Mile Grind 5 Mile Grind takes over for The Wild Scoop Wild Scoop. The Cobucci family will operate the combination coffee bar and ice cream parlor, with offerings from New Jersey-based partners Revolution Coffee Roasters (Collingswood) and Evermore Coffee Roasters (Burlington). The retail chain Krispy Krunchy Chicken has moved into the former home of Center City Video Outlet Center City Video Outlet at 3115 Pacific Avenue, an expansion of the location in Cape May Court house that opened last year (along with neighboring Pizza Heaven). Sure to be a hit with historians and music lovers is Wildwood Legends, at 3010 Pacific Avenue. Owned and operated daily by Mike Mattera Mike Mattera, the store features hundreds of originallydesigned posters showcasing a diverse roster of performers who have played the Wildwoods from the 1930’s to today. Mugs, buttons and other items are being added regularly, with custom orders also available. The popular One Fish, Two Fish Restaurant moved to 3001 Pacific Avenue, taking over the building occupied by Coastal Prime Coastal Prime last summer, and formerly Mia’s. It’s former location, 5209 Pacific (directly across from Duffer’s), is the new home of Tara Kitchen Tara Kitchen, as entrepreneur Chef Aneesa Waheed Chef Aneesa Waheed brings Moroccan cuisine to the Wildwoods for the first time.