New owners take over Ocean City landmark restaurant
By Steffen Klenk
It’s hard to miss the bright pink façade of the famous Chatterbox, located at Ninth Street and Central Avenue. The iconic building has been a staple of the Ocean City community for generations of customers.
Now in its 85th year in business, its new owners are bringing in some new menu items, with a fresh take on popular classics.
The Chatterbox was recently purchased by William Bonaforte, who is also the owner of Green Eggs Café, a chain of brunch-style restaurants in Philadelphia. The group also owns another popular city eatery called Stateside, located on Passyunk Avenue.
Stephen Slaughter, COO of the company, spoke about the purchase. “He saw the love for the building and saw it as an opportunity to do something special,” Slaughter said.
Slaughter is overseeing operations for The Chatterbox this summer. A former nightclub operator, Slaughter began his culinary journey at the age of 13 prior to finding success at Green Eggs Café.
“I wound up working in the business and learning under good owners and managers,” he said.
The famed restaurant has also enlisted the help of Jeannine Errico, a proud local and graduate of Ocean City High School.
Diners will instantly notice several new and exciting changes. The entire menu has been updated to include several new items, while presenting a new take on some popular classics.
Their mouth-watering cheesesteak comes highly recommended, as does the newly added veggie burger, made using the freshest plant-based ingredients.
Looking for a light lunch? Try their Baja chicken salad, topped with delicate ranch dressing. And, of course, you can’t leave out dessert. Their high-end, over-the-top milkshakes are also a major hit among hungry patrons.
Along with a change of ownership comes another new dining concept. Open on weekends, The Betz Room is a culinary experience unlike any other in Ocean City.
This upscale, gourmet dining concept comes to The Chatterbox courtesy of Stateside chef Geno Betz. Their specialized drink menu consists of delicious and refreshing mocktails, while diners will be delighted by delectable food offerings, such as the pan roasted salmon, garden orzo, or 12 oz. New York strip. This is the perfect place to enjoy a culinary experience with a special guest, or share a meal or two with friends.
In 1937, the Chatterbox originally opened just one block away, at the corner of Ninth and Wesley, under the creative vision of Jean Campbell. Three years later, the restaurant moved to the distinctive pink building, where it remains today.
The exterior was designed by Vivian B. Smith, an Ocean City High School graduate who designed many iconic buildings in the South Jersey region. His most prominent projects included The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City Music Pier, and Ventnor City Hall.
The history and charm of this vibrant Ocean City landmark is not just written on the walls, it can also be found in the individuals who helped secure its legacy.
Before pursuing a career in Hollywood, Grace Kelly spent her summers working at The Chatterbox as a waitress. Her success as a star of the silver screen led her to an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her role in the film, “Mogambo.” She later married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, earning her the title: Princess Grace of Monaco.
Over the years The Chatterbox has changed hands multiple times. Bob Becotte purchased the restaurant in 1968 before handing it down to the Recipi family only a few short years later. The Recipi family operated the businesses for several decades.
Some minor renovations are expected to take place during the off-season with the restaurant set to close temporarily sometime during the shoulder season, and re-open in March of next year. While small upgrades have been made to the outdoor dining space, much of the interior will stay intact.
As for the future of the restaurant, Slaughter says that plans are in place to incorporate the Green Eggs concept, while keeping the famous pink exterior and passion that locals and visitors have come to know over the decades and continuing to pay homage to the original restaurant.
The Chatterbox is located at 500 E. Ninth St. in Ocean City. It’s open 2-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, with a full brunch menu offered 8 a.m.-noon on weekends. To learn more or to view the full menu, see www.thechatterboxoc.com, or follow them on Instagram @TheChatterboxOC.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
