Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Why was Ocean Casino Resort named “Best Casino” by Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” awards?
The answer is simple: When you walk through the doors you immediately notice the attention to detail. The 1,860 luxurious guest rooms and suites. The 135,000 square feet of casino space is tastefully appointed with towering ceilings highlighted by comfortable spacing between the 1,750 slot machines and 125 gaming tables. It all makes an impression.
The experience does not stop there.
Whether you are at the resort for business or on a relaxing getaway for pleasure, you have many choices. The meeting and convention areas consist of 160,000 square feet of high-end space to host your business affairs.
After the meetings are done and it’s time for fun, your choices are endless, from the renowned 40,000-square-foot Exhale Spa & Bath House, to the largest Topgolf Swing Suite in America, to the five upscale dining experiences and 10 casual dining options.
Additional amenities include the 5-star, 20-acre beachfront Resort, which separates Ocean from the competition with its nightlife experience and 4,500-seat concert venue. When you are totally relaxed from socializing around the indoor or outdoor pools, you can gamble or choose from the many entertainment venues.
The ownership of the Resort realized that to stay on top it takes investment – over $50 million in property-wide capital enhancements in 2025. These new development projects are part of a seven-year, $270 million property transformation that Ocean has been implementing since its inception in 2018. The latest commitment includes more than 500 new Blu Rooms and Suites, a casino expansion, five new dining options and much more.
“Ocean ownership continues to invest in property enhancements that enable us to provide an unmatched guest experience not only in Atlantic City, but nationwide,” said Bill Callahan, general manager for Ocean Casino Resort. “We are introducing five highly anticipated dining concepts that our customers have been asking for. This year also marks an exciting milestone as we complete the entire hotel with fully renovated guest rooms and suites.”
Ocean’s $25 million investment (Blu Rooms) in 2025 marks the culmination of a multi-year project to transform all 1,860 guest rooms and suites at the property. Ocean introduced 12 floors of renovated Blu Rooms and Suites that had been unfinished by the previous owner. And in 2023 and 2024, it unveiled more than 700 guest rooms and suites, as well as the introduction of its Duplex and Bay Suites.
The Blu Rooms and Suites, inspired by the Atlantic shoreline, feature beach-themed designs, luxurious marble bathrooms and vibrant views, with suites offering dining areas, wet bars and spacious lounges.
Ocean Casino Resort teamed up with the renowned Restaurateur Stephen Starr, who is conceptualizing two new venues. The multi-million-dollar ($5 million) concepts will be located on the Ocean’s Lobby Level and are scheduled to open this summer.
A South Jersey and Philadelphia favorite, LaScala’s Fire, is locating at Ocean. They are famous for serving home-away-from-home, classic Italian-American cuisine, reimagined in a quaint, friendly atmosphere with great service.
LaScala’s Fire at Ocean will continue their standard of quality food with delicious starters such as ricotta board, cheesesteak egg rolls and meatball trio, along with their famous pasta, gourmet pizzas and generous entrees ranging from chicken parm to grilled salmon. It will be located on the Casino Level across from Villain and Saint. It is earmarked to open this summer.
New restaurant openings for 2025 will also include High Steaks, featuring bold and flavor-packed quick eats. The menu is centered around premium, mouth-watering steaks, loaded with hearty, satisfying options for every craving. Guests will be able to indulge in the signature Wagyu cheesesteak, or opt for the classic Philly Cheesesteak on a seeded or non-seeded roll for a true taste of tradition.
Blend-Oceans will be the go-to spot for hand-crafted smoothies and bowls bursting with delicious flavors. This trendy novelty food and smoothie place will debut by the end of May 2025, ideally located on the Lobby Level next to Eclipse Pool. Blend will present a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can fuel up for a busy, fun day or grab something fresh for those on the go.
As part of the ongoing upgrade of the casino experience, Ocean will introduce a larger, polished Asian gaming experience by summer 2025. Designed by R2Architects, the footprint will double in size from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet. It will offer 32 gaming tables including Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker.
Another game changer is Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar. It will feature a $500,000 immersive hologram area for a whole new hole-in-one experience. The new multi-million-dollar entertainment destination will open later this summer and offer fun for all ages.
This exciting venue will present technology used at The Sphere in Las Vegas and will feature a state-of-the-art course with two stories of immersive fun, all within an expansive, 8,000-square-foot space. As guests enter, they will be greeted by two eye-popping holograms, including a 12-foot great white shark towering over the vibrant main bar, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. It will be conveniently next to LaScala’s Fire on the Casino Level.
Last but certainly not least, Ocean will be expanding its retail with Sweetheart Coast, opening early summer. This unique retail outlet will be located within the Shops at the Row, offering guests a variety of fashionable clothing for women of all shapes and sizes complemented with fun home décor, accessories and unique gifts.
The ownership of Ocean Casino & Resort is redefining the notion of grow or go. They recognize that it is paramount to offer guests new and exciting experiences in order to compete, not only with the competition in Atlantic City, but with anticipated gaming in New York. When the guests leave the Resort, they want them to already be scheduling their next visit.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses
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
