Business Buzz
Overall, Jersey Shore businesses had a great year in 2025.
Casino industry overview
The casino industry experienced tremendous growth compared with 2024, based on numbers reported by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Land-based revenue, industrywide, stood at $2.68 billion through November 2025, with the full-year total on pace for continued strong performance. Full casino totals for December are typically reported and released in mid-January.
Including online gaming, iGaming and sports wagering, the total for the New Jersey gaming industry reached $6.38 billion through November 2025, representing a 10.4% increase over 2024.
Atlantic City boasted its best summer in more than a decade. The period from June through August 2025 saw land-based revenue reach approximately $855 million, driven by high tourism and favorable weather.
Online casino revenue actually outperformed brick-and-mortar revenue on a monthly basis. However, strong summer performance allowed physical casinos to maintain a slight lead in total yearly revenue. The top three casinos were Borgata, followed by Hard Rock and Ocean.
Online gaming is a double-edged sword. While it contributes to the bottom line of businesses, it also negatively affects in-person visitation to physical establishments.
Atlantic City’s staying power
Roger Gros, editor-at-large of Global Gaming Business magazine, believes the death of Atlantic City is highly exaggerated. Delaware, Pennsylvania and New England casinos couldn’t kill it. The elephant in the room – the advent of New York casinos – will barely dent it.
The first casino set to open in the spring is already a casino and attracts thousands of people daily. Adding table games will increase its business only marginally.
“The other two casinos will not open until, at the very earliest, 2030,” Gros said.
Yes, casinos will be affected, but those venues will primarily draw locals from Queens and the Bronx. Gros said very few New Jersey residents will travel into New York City to gamble when Atlantic City remains available with nine casinos to choose from.
It is paramount that government and business in Atlantic City are in sync. Diversity, attractions and entertainment are essential. City officials and business leaders must continue to seek viable ways to bring people not only into the casinos, but into the city as a whole.
The Orange Loop has demonstrated that non-casino businesses can survive. The city has been moving toward tremendous growth in the cannabis industry, but recently adjusted the number of licenses. What happens in Atlantic City affects the entire region. Major, upcoming residential developments will also help support business activity.
Ventnor and Margate
Moving down Absecon Island to Ventnor, officials are pleased to report a very solid business environment. A highlight is the renaissance of Ventnor Plaza. Developer and owner Mark Greco has continued renovations since purchasing the property.
New business activity in 2025 included Starbucks, Greens and Grains, Burger King, Caring Inc. (20,000 square feet), Provenza Restaurant and Catering, and others, creating a complementary mix for the 200,000-square-foot plaza. It is becoming a town center.
Ed Berger, of the Margate Business Association said, “It was a season of wonderful new business surprises in Margate, and the forecast is equally as bright. As a true year-round community with a strong 12-month heritage business base, Margate saw exciting developments on all fronts.”
The bayfront buzzed with the opening of Tideline Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. Additional excitement followed with the grand opening of Betty’s BBQ. It was complemented by Bay Buzz, a waterfront spot popular with walkers, bikers and drivers.
Makai Tiki Tours debuted at the south end of Amherst Avenue, while Captain Robin Pontoon Fishing and Party Charters opened at Scott’s Dock on the north end of the Bay District, offering closer access to the bayfront.
Several specialty salons joined the business community: Lips and Drips and DWarmer on Granville Avenue, ULa in the southern business district on Ventnor Avenue and Lux Spa on Atlantic Avenue.
Additional businesses included Sunrise Tequila Bar & Rooftop Lounge, Findz Gifts on Essex Avenue, Downbeach Jiu Jitsu, Pro Motion Physical Therapy, Pat McKenna Realty, Marchese Realty and Garden State Properties. More is expected in 2026.
Somers Point
Somers Point saw extensive new business activity. Highlights include the New Paddle Club on Bay Avenue, expected to open in late spring 2026, and Bay Ave. Brewery, which broke ground at 435 Bay Ave. It is owned by cousins Tom Dooner and Brian Murphy.
Besides the two new businesses, 22 new homes are under construction, setting new housing values for the city. Bay Avenue activity was further enhanced by the addition of the South Jersey Yacht building.
The Links at Greate Bay Townhomes will feature 168 new homes. Oasis at Greate Bay will consist of 43 rental units in two three-story buildings at 901 Mays Landing Road.
Retail and restaurant activity included both gains and losses. Windjammer Restaurant closed but was sold, with the new owner conducting major renovations. Somers Point Commons lost Big Lots, but Ocean State Job Lot opened with a grand opening in mid-2025.
McNaughton’s Garden Center closed in July 2024. The property will be repurposed to include Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, 19,000 square feet of retail space and 9,500 square feet of medical office space. Walgreens at New Road and Groveland Avenue, closed but will be replaced by an Aldi grocery store. Staples closed without a replacement, yet. Big Wally Furniture is in the process of closing and is reportedly being sold to a personal training business.
Egg Harbor Township
Egg Harbor Township experienced significant retail, professional office and flex warehouse growth. A major announcement came in May with the topping off of the second of seven buildings at the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP).
Construction progressed on the $18.5 million, 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building, projected for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The Atlantic County Economic Alliance said the building marks a major milestone.
The NARTP also advanced planning for the “Highway in the Sky,” a dual-use airborne test corridor supporting uncrewed aircraft systems and air mobility technologies. A pending, $2.2 million federal appropriation sponsored by Rep. Jeff Van Drew will support early planning and infrastructure.
Additional activity occurred along the Black Horse Pike. Sparkz Car Wash settled at 6024 Black Horse Pike. Touch of Italy reopened following a tragic fire. M&S Produce changed ownership. Self-storage business expanded with U-Haul and the opening of Extra Space Storage at 6679 Black Horse Pike.
Absecon
Absecon also experienced growth. Red Oak Dispensary opened Nov. 1 at the former Absecon Hardware site, featuring retail and on-site manufacturing. Off the Charts opened at 167 New Jersey Ave. and Public Cannabis opened at 792A White Horse Pike. Chipotle Mexican Grill opened at 420 White Horse Pike, followed by Jersey Cow at 610 Mill Road.
Hamilton Township
Hamilton Township announced plans to move forward with a new Amazon robotic sorting facility, expected to be 3 million square feet on 84 acres of the former racetrack site. The facility is expected to employ more than 750 permanent workers, with groundbreaking planned for spring 2026.
Galloway Township
Galloway Township developments included a new ShopRite breaking ground at 501 Jimmie Leeds Road. The 86,000-square-foot store will include two additional 6,000-square-foot pad sites. AtlantiCare Rehabilitation Hospital, a three-story, 60-bed in-patient facility, is also under development.
Pleasantville
Pleasantville reported plans by Ren Parikh for a possible downtown hotel at Washington and Main streets. Takeoff Adventure Park opened at the former Kmart site on the Black Horse Pike. Plans for the former Pleasantville High School remain in progress.
Brigantine
Brigantine celebrated its 100th year with the annual Polar Bear Plunge. New businesses included Summer Sage Coffee, Coast Atelier, Tony Beef, Mission Café and Sandy Jack’s Deli. Brigantine is anticipating a strong 2026.
Ocean City
Ocean City’s biggest news involved the former Wonderland Pier. Developer Eustace Mita, CEO of Icona Resorts, has proposed a 252-room luxury hotel estimated at $150 million to $170 million. After initial denial, City Council voted Dec. 4 to refer the proposal to the Planning Board for review.
The project would include 10 to 12 stores, a 140-foot Ferris wheel and a historic carousel. McDonald’s closed, with future plans for the site undisclosed.
Asbury Avenue continues to thrive, according to marketing consultant Liz Katz. The district welcomed Lululemon, The Board Room, Tina Stephens, Stainton’s Kids Co., True Light Yoga, Charlie Costello and OC Awning, J. Bradley Capital, The Garb Collection and Three Little Birds.
Asbury Avenue remains one of the largest outdoor retail districts along the Jersey Shore, offering more than 100 locally owned businesses.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. If you enjoy your experiences along the Jersey Shore, share them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
