Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
If I could nominate an entrepreneur of the year, it would be my friend, Ken Schaeffer. I know there are 24 hours in a day, but somehow Ken has either found more, or he is a magician.
He has many businesses yet manages to find time for his family: partner Erica and his two 6-year-old boys, Kenny and Evan.
It is an interesting story about how Ken fell into the bar business in Egg Harbor City. He has always been self-employed and a real estate investor along the way.
His first purchase was a duplex in Brigantine in his early 20s. The house was the beginning of Ken’s long journey at the Jersey Shore which brought him down from Delaware County, Pa., to South Jersey as a part-time second home owner.
Eventually, in 2003, life’s twists and turns had Ken making the shore his permanent home. He decided to sell his home in Glen Mills, Pa., and move into one of his rental properties in Brigantine.
He has always been in the radio and DJ/entertainment business, which is still his passion and core focus. He somehow finds time to host evenings on WIBG Radio “Wibbage” FM 94.3, along with providing entertainment for corporate events and destination weddings at the Jersey Shore and beyond. Ken trades under the name of Ken Schaeffer Entertainment, online at kenschaefferentertainment.com.
Now he can put his talent to good use with his latest venture, The Inn on St. Louis.
The hospitality business was always a passion of Ken’s. It dates back to Stewart’s Root Beer in Northfield where he was the founding partner with longtime friend Bret DeNafo.
It was a great family concept, but he eventually sold it to what is now the Chido Burrito where Erica, his partner and the mother of their two sons, stayed on to manage the store.
Taking on another restaurant was notpart of his plan, but it was a natural fit as he purchased an historic property in Egg Harbor City with four apartments.
His original plan was to lease out the restaurant space. However, that didn’t happen, so Ken surrounded himself with a great team and hence, The Inn on St. Louis was born.
Ken’s vision for the newly renovated tavern is evolving with the help of his team: general manager Ryan Beebe, chef Fred Cusker and the entire staff who are transforming the inn into a true Cheers-like environment where everybody knows your name.
It includes plans to transform the quaint backyard into a festive, family-friendly environment with numerous games and other activities. The menu is highlighted by delicious sandwiches and various bar foods and craft brews.
The Aug. 15 grand opening was fabulous. It included families and friends. It was also great to include Tom and Bonnie Young, who owned the historic inn from May 2011 until November 2017 when it was known as the Irish Eyes Pub.
The bar was only open for around two years. They had a great time, but when the casinos started to shut down in 2012 it severely affected the business and unfortunately, they were forced to close. In addition to Tom and Bonnie Young; Bob and Ann Lund, who sold the property to Ken, attended the event to witness the torch being passed.
When Bob and Ann owned the restaurant it was called Egg Harbor Festhaus. They had a great time running it and greeting their loyal patrons from 2018 to 2019, but with other demands for their time, they decided to move on.
From the time Ken was introduced to Egg Harbor City in 2013 by his friend and radio client, Brad Harber, he fell in love with the character of it and the people. Brad expressed his vision of rejuvenating the downtown, but sadly he passed away before he could pursue that dream.
Ken has decided to go all in and reposition this 1800s historic building into a fun, friendly tavern atmosphere inside and outside.
If you are looking for great food and to get away to a fun place, then The Inn on St. Louis at 444-448 St. Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City is the place to be.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.
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
