Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Is Ventnor Heights becoming the trendy retail and food hub of Absecon Island? I would say a definite yes with the new Ventnor Produce and Deli, and the Fish Whistle Market/Wahine Wine Company.
If you have not been in the Heights recently, you are going to be pleasantly surprised with the new business activity. Aside from the fantastic rejuvenation that is occurring at the Ventnor Plaza, Dorset Avenue appears to be evolving into an attraction in itself.
While driving over the Dorset Avenue Bridge, I noticed immediately to the right a new market and wine store (wine/spirits/beer): Fish and Whistle Market and Wahine Wine Company. Located at and 101 N. Dorset Ave., the trendy exterior caught my attention so I had to stop in and learn more. It reminded me of something from New Hope.
I was pleased to meet the owners, Ryan Slaven and Vanessa Wong, husband and wife. They could not have been nicer and prouder to talk to me about their new business.
I learned that they are both attorneys from Philadelphia, and the owners/operators of Fishtown Social Bar and Wine Shop, located at 1525 Frankford Ave. in Philadelphia, which opened in 2016.
Fishtown has become a trendy area and Social has fit right in with a full bar, a menu of cheese, charcuterie and snacks, plus a wine shop with a curated selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines from small producers and lesser-known regions.
The Slaven Family has had a home in Longport since the early 1990s. Ryan, Vanessa, and their four children have spent their summers enjoying the Jersey Shore. They have always thought Ventnor had the diverse and eclectic vibe that would support their concept from Fishtown.
The focus on natural wine, craft beer, and spirits was a no brainer to duplicate. Dorset Avenue was the right choice to create a perfect combination of a market filled with plants, fresh flowers; a curated selection of cheeses, charcuterie, snacks, small batch goods, banh mi style hoagies, artisanal coffee and other non-alcohol options.
This is a new must stop. See www.Fishwhistlemarket.com or on instagram @fishwhistlemarket.
Ventnor Produce and Deli is another new business which opened in May on Dorset Avenue in the former Wawa building. Its previous use was an indoor pickleball court. However, with the advent of Pickle Juice in the Ventnor Plaza, owners Bill and Mary Ann Lacovara chose to establish Ventnor Produce and Deli.
It is a great location at 301 N. Ventnor Ave. and has proven successful beyond expectations as a produce and deli business. It’s a place worth visiting on a daily basis because they are constantly offering new special items.
The minute I walked in the door, I was greeted by Mike and Kim the managers. They could not have been more pleasant not knowing who I was and why I was there. The presentation of the fresh fruit and vegetables is amazing. They even have a section of organic fruit and vegetables. The store is proud to offer Jersey Fresh produce as well. The owners thought it was important to support local farmers.
Along with the wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, customers can order all of their favorite deli meats. The store has partnered with well-known companies such as Tony Baloney’s with such items as mozzarella sticks and balls.
Other items include fresh honey from a local bee farm and candy-smoked salmon from another local vendor. Stop in and see what makes Ventnor Produce and Deli so special or call 609-541-6110.
Remember to stop, shop, play and stay at the Jersey Shore, especially at 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
