Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Ocean City has lost some iconic businesses in recent years such as Wards Pastry, which would have been celebrating its 100th birthday, and Voltaco’s take out restaurant, which would have been 70 this year.
The good news is Bill Patroni is the new owner of the former Voltaco’s 957 West Ave. location. He bought the place in May and reopened under a new name on July 1.
The new name is Patroni’s 957 West. Bill, along with his brother Michael, daughter Mia and sister Gabrielle, have assembled a great team which includes several of the key employees from Voltaco’s to carry on the phenomenal tradition and add to it with their own personal style.
It’s the old adage that if it’s not broken don’t fix it, but add on if you can make it better.
Bill, who is originally from Absecon and since 2012, from Ventnor, had never vacationed in Ocean City so he was not totally familiar with the tradition and success of Voltaco’s. He was pleasantly surprised and had quite a wake-up call with the flood of customers. Bill said he has received a great warm welcome from past customers. He knows he has a lot to live up to, which he has done so far.
Bill’s background is related to the food and entertainment industry as he owns a go-kart facility in Delaware. This was a great test, but the experience with the new Patroni’s brings it all to a new level. There have been many bumps, but all in all it has been smoother than expected.
Every day they hear customers saying that they have been coming to Voltaco’s for 20, 30, and even 50 years. They continue saying they have big shoes to fill, but they all wish him the best of luck and are happy something similar has replaced Voltaco’s.
The bottom line is if you are looking for fantastic Italian food, there is a new sheriff in Ocean City. At Patroni’s you can get all of the delicious pasta dishes and lasagna, along with a wide variety of subs and sandwiches. Your tastebuds will water over absolutely fabulous classic dishes such as chicken parm, homemade eggplant parm, chicken cacciatore, meatballs and much more.
Stop in, call 609-938-1568 or go on Facebook. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. See patronisoc.com.
Gypsea Beauty is another new business in Ocean City that is a must see. The boutique, holistic spa specializes in natural nail and skin care, self-care and coming soon, massage therapy.
Owner Marisa Miller is a lifelong Ocean City local who has been in the industry for over 25 years including high-end spas.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down salons and spas, Marisa began traveling to clients’ homes and turning their living rooms, kitchens and porches into relaxing spas where she quickly gained a loyal following.
Marisa has been a huge advocate for natural, clean living for the majority of her career and once she became a solo entrepreneur, she was able to break the mold and offer her clients the kind of products and services she truly believes in.
Everything used and retailed is carefully vetted. It has to meet her high standards of having a clean ingredient list, made by ethical and sustainable companies.
Marisa joined The Beehive Studio on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City in May of 2022 where she pampered clients for the past two years before moving to her new location at the Riverboat Mansion at 800 Wesley Ave. Her experience and dedication to quality and a passion for her craft is manifested in all she does.
You will be totally pleased with her unsurpassed attention to detail and care. Treat yourself to the best spa service in the city. Stop in or go online at Gypseabeauty.com.
You deserve to be treated by the best.
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
