Anyone who has tried to carry on a conversation in a noisy restaurant knows how quickly a great meal can become a frustrating experience. When Webster’s Tavern prepared to open in the former Windjammer location in Somers Point, owner Chris Webb wanted to make sure that wouldn’t happen. As a member of the Somers Point Business Association, he turned to fellow SPBA member ERCO Ceilings & Interiors to help create a dining room where good conversation could be just as enjoyable as the food.
Working with ERCO’s Greg Sykora, Webb made acoustics a priority from the very beginning of the renovation. The goal was simple: create an inviting atmosphere where guests could enjoy good food, good conversation and a comfortable dining experience without competing with excessive noise.
“Ambiance is one of the key parts of a restaurant,” Webb said. “Getting the sound right was really important to us.”
It’s something many diners never think about until they visit a restaurant where conversations require raised voices. According to Sykora, planning for acoustics during construction is far easier and far less expensive than trying to correct problems after a restaurant opens.
“People don’t think about sound because you can’t see it,” Sykora said. “If you wait until the end, you’re going to spend a lot more money fixing it.”
The project included approximately 3,000 square feet of acoustical ceiling tile, about 250 ceiling panels, strategically placed speakers and a matte black ceiling that contributes to both the restaurant’s appearance and overall atmosphere. Webb said guests have already complimented the comfortable sound level inside the dining room. Because the building features a lower ceiling than many restaurants, those decisions became even more important.
“When you’re opening a restaurant, you’re focused on food, staffing and customer service,” Webb said. “Your expertise isn’t ceilings. You need people you trust.” Rather than simply supplying products, Sykora became a sounding board throughout the renovation. The two regularly walked the project together, discussing ideas, solving problems and refining details as construction progressed.
“I told Chris I was going to treat this like I was his partner,” Sykora said. “Every time we were here, we’d talk through another idea.” Webb said that approach made it easy to trust Sykora’s recommendations.
“Greg treated us like he was a partner,” Webb said. “It made it easy to trust him.”
For Sykora, the project reflects one of the greatest benefits of belonging to the Somers Point Business Association. Relationships built through the organization often grow beyond networking events and become trusted business partnerships.
“When local businesses get to know each other, they’re more likely to work together,” Sykora said. “That’s good for the businesses, good for the customer and good for the community.” The partnership between Webster’s Tavern and ERCO Ceilings & Interiors demonstrates that local business organizations can do much more than connect people. They create opportunities for members to collaborate, share expertise and invest in each other’s success while strengthening the local economy.
For diners, the result is simply a comfortable place to gather with family and friends. For Webster’s Tavern and ERCO, it’s proof that when local businesses work together, everyone benefits.
Webster’s Tavern is located at 18 MacArthur Blvd. in Somers Point and is open daily beginning at 11:30 a.m. For menus, hours and more information, visit www.WebstersTavernSP.com.
To learn more about ERCO Ceilings & Interiors, request a free estimate or discover how the company can help with your next commercial or residential project, visit www.ERCOInteriors.com.
