Business Buzz
Did you know that Somers Point has a new Northend? That’s right. The Northend Grill opened its doors at 718 Bay Ave. (the former Sushi) during the week of July 4.
The first week was a smash hit. Yes, it was a major holiday week and weekend, the weather was perfect, and people came out to support the new delicious venue in a big way.
They raved about it. But this is only the beginning. The partners have great plans for the totally renovated restaurant from its former sushi theme.
Owners Angelo DiBartolo and Jim House have been friends for many years. Each one has a different strength which they bring to the table.
Their friendship dates back to the years when they played rugby together. Each of them said the bond of rugby players is strong which will help during busy, tense times in the kitchen.
Angelo said, “If he annoys me, I will just tackle him in the kitchen” Of course they are kidding, but in the restaurant business you have to have fun.
Angelo’s restaurant experience dates back to two famous Ocean City Boardwalk businesses: Ove’s and Brown’s.
He considers the two families his mentors who taught him how to make famously delicious food at an extreme pace. If you know these two businesses, you know how busy they are and how many hundreds and hundreds of meals they put out every day.
After Angelo’s tenure at the businesses, he tested his entrepreneurial skills with his own successful Northend Beach Grill, which was originally located on St. Charles Place in Ocean City. He eventually moved the business to 2nd Street, and lastly on the beach at North Street, Ocean City.
He accomplished all of this success while being a guidance counselor at the Ocean City Intermediate School.
Prior to his counselor career, he served as a history teacher for 17 years at Ocean City High School.
He said, “I loveed my time in Ocean City and I would never have left except for the opportunity in Somers Point.”
Angelo had his eyes on 718 Bay Ave. for years. He said it is the perfect spot for a successful breakfast and lunch restaurant with all of the activity in Somers Point, especially on Bay Avenue.
The extensive breakfast menu offers customers a wide variety, everything from breakfast wraps to an endless choice of custom omelets, and of course, pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles.
Partner Jim House is going to put his award-winning Best of the Press talents to work with the lunch menu.
They offer a wide variety of salads and soups along with mouth-watering sandwiches which include favorites such as ham, turkey and cheese, roast beef and cheese, tuna salad and chicken salad.
However, Jim’s recognition comes from the numerous gold medals he has received from his famous Pork Island BBQ. He has received gold medals from Texas to North Carolina and all the way back to New Jersey.
Customers can taste outstanding pulled pork and pulled chicken probably better than anything they have ever tasted. They can also combine it with the best mac and cheese that they have ever had.
They will soon see Jim’s special BBQ cooker out front which helped make him so famous.
The hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and don’t just take our word about how great Northend Grill is, see for yourself.
They are going to be offering catering soon so you can invite all of your friends over or just enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining on site.
Call 609-788-4422, look of up northendgrill on Facebook or Instagram
@NORTHENDGRILLSP
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. Stop, play and stay at the Jersey Shore.
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
