Business Buzz
By Richard Baehrle
What does it take to be a great entrepreneur and successful in business in Ocean City, as well as other resort areas?
First of all it takes vision; a concept for offering products or services that addresses a niche. When you open a business, you have to analyze the competition, if any, and determine if there is enough of a potential market that you can make enough profit to succeed. Competition is not only local; it also comes from online retailers and the big box stores which have major purchasing power.
Heather Neville of Goodies Gone Wild, located at 932 Boardwalk in Ocean City, found her niche when she opened a unique store in 2018. The store offers a wide variety of exotic meats, various hot sauces, barbecue sauces, steak sauces and gourmet sodas – all items that are difficult to find anywhere.
The business has been very successful, but Heather determined that there was a need for items that she could not fit in her Boardwalk store. So opened Agape Gourmet at 854 Asbury Ave. The Avenue has a tremendous synergy of businesses that complement her beautiful presentation of gourmet food items.
There is a wide variety of cheeses and charcuterie along with salamis and other select meats. She makes it a point to support local small businesses from New Jersey and the Northeast.
Agape Gourmet also has a nice selection of sandwiches and salads. If you need gluten free, they have it. You can also choose from a delicious variety of pastas. All of this can be catered for your convenience. Stop by and you won’t be disappointed.
PJ Buckets Seafood, located at 8th and Ocean, Ocean City, is another entrepreneur group worth noting.
They have been in business at 115 N. Dorset Ave. in Ventnor for more than two years and were recognized as One of the Best of the Press in their first and second years.
Their lobster tails have been featured in Shore Local News, on 103.9 Cat Country and ESPN 97.3. They were named one of the Best of the Shore Restaurants and they are involved in their communities, especially with the Community FoodBand and various other charities. They donate 10 percent of their Friday sales during Lent to charities nominated by their patrons.
The businesses are family owned and operated. All of the kids and daughters-in-law are active in the business.
With this caring service they are able to offer delicious food that people rave about, especially the cornbread. Outstanding quality at fair prices people keep coming back for more.
You have to experience PJ Buckets when you are in Ocean City or Ventnor. Stop by or call 609-701-7562
Remember to support your local businesses year around.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680
or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see
www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
