Gallery D'May replaces Mermaids on the 300 block.
Well is it that time of year already? If it’s June, it must be time for CapeMay.com’s annual look at Who’s New, Who’s Moved, Who’s Gone and who’s turned it over to someone new. We haven’t seen this much change in town in over three decades. Let’s begin with the Washington Street Mall where the majority of the turnover has taken place.
In the 300 block of the Washington Street Mall, Mermaids, 305 Washington Street, is out and Gallery D’May is in. The owners, John and Dawn DeMayo, who also own and operate the Victorian Walk Gallery on the second level of the City Centre Mall in the 400 block the Mall, have done a beautiful job of renovating the building both inside and out. Fine art and object d’art are offered.
Bath Time's new store on the Washington Street Mall
However, the most significant change in this block is the absence of Stumpo’s Italian Restaurant, 316 Washington Street. A fixture on the Mall, since about 1972, Stumpo’s closed their doors shortly before Christmas last year. The building has been sold and there is mix of the old and new in terms of stores. Dairy Queen remains in its old location. Andrews Limited moved across the street to ground floor where the Lynn Arden’s Children’s Shop was located at 325 Washington Street. Bath Time, previously located on Jackson Street, is now a welcomed addition to the Mall at 318 Washington Street.
Tisha's replaces Stumpo's on the Washington Street Mall
Lynn Arden’s Children’s Shop moved to the second floor of the 325 building. Meanwhile, back at 316 Washington Street, Tisha’s Restaurant is completely renovating that property which also encompassed the Stumpo Pizzeria on Carpenters Lane. Tisha’s moved from the Solarium on Beach Avenue, next to the still condemned and still not rebuilt Convention Hall. The Solarium was to have been moved east on Beach Avenue as part the Sewell Park renovation, but the move was put on hold once City Council realized there were no public bathrooms to accommodate that section of town. Tisha’s expects to be open for the July 4th weekend. And Best Darn Kettlecorn is on the side of the building, across from the Whale’s Tale on Sawyer’s Walk.
Vintage Old Time Photos is new in City Centre Mall
Wow! Let’s move over to the 400 block where things a little calmer. Due to the recent and untimely death of owner Steve Protasi, Donna’s Hallmark, 401 Washington Street, will be under new management. Allison and Vince Stewart, owners of the Zoo Company in City Centre Mall, have taken over the store. We R Kids in the City Center Mall’s second floor are gone and Vintage Old Time Photos are in. Henry’s is still at its 407 Washington Street Mall location, but you may not recognize it. Gone are the sweatshirts and a redo of the interior reflects the store’s re-commitment as a jewelery store, or as it’s logo says – “Cape May’s Landmark Jeweler.”
In the 300 block, Carli’s Furniture and Gift Store, 504 Washington Street, is out. Just For Laughs, brought to you by the folks who own Kaleidoscope, just next door, is in. Just for Laughs features humorous gift items with a woman’s point of view in mind. Back in Liberty Way, 507 Washington Street, the Cape May Sign Company is out and there is no replacement as yet.
Just for Laughs replaces Carli's on the 500 block
Carpenters Lane has a couple of changes. M. S. Brown’s Jeweler’s is out. Splash is in. Owned by Hilary and Chuck Pritchard of The Whale’s Tale, one of Cape May’s first new wave entrepreneurs back in the late’70s, the store features hand crafted jewelry, sea glass and fine gift items. At the west end of Carpenters Lane, Tuscany Café, the little cottage located between the Merry Widow Guest House and Gecko’s Restaurant, have moved to the West End Garage on Perry Street. An eatery is expected to open there within the month specializing in salads and “to go” items for those of you on the run.
The Whale's Tale's sister Splash on Carpenter's Lane
Across the Ocean Street at Washington Commons, the most obvious change is the one who see as soon as you cross the street. Shore Design is out after nearly a decade. Pete Smith’s Surf Shop got kicked out of the Solarium on the beachfront next to the might-as-well-be-boarded-up Convention Hall, along with Tisha’s and has moved in to the spot previously occupied by Shore Design. Riptide is out and that store vacant, but they moved two doors down to where Ocean Blue was. Ocean Blue is out and did not relocate. The stock was absorbed by its sister store Colors, which is on the Mall. Maggie’s Restaurant, next to Washington Commons Gallery, is out and currently vacant.
Primo’s Hoagies opened in the new store front on Lafayette Street across from the Acme and right next to Village Bikes.
Going out of town, Copper Fish is gone from its location at the base of Schellenger Bridge and relocated to 416 South Broadway, formerly Moonfish Grill, which is gone. That spot has had quite a turn since the old Daniel’s Restaurant days. We wish Chef Geoff Johnson luck in his new digs. Moving into the old Copper Fish spot is Latitudes, owned by Bryan Brodowski.
Pete Smith's Surf Shop moves to Washington Commons
Back in town, on Ocean Street, near Freda’s Café, the Ocean Street Gallery is gone. Bamboo Shack is in, moved from its previous location on Jackson Street.
Further down Washington Street, much to our dismay, Heather’s Hair Salon, 656 Washington Street, is out. Heather’s has moved to the Villas, 2204 Bayshore Road. And those of us who never leave the island are most distressed. Next to Heather’s a neighborhood specialty grocery store (Halleluiah!!) opened called Mega Mex, specializing in Mexican items as well as your run-of-the-mill box of Post Raisin Bran. A few doors down, Gail Pierson of the Gail Pierson Gallery, 658 Washington Street, is opening another gallery, Art District, right next door to herself, 600 Washington Street.
At Texas Avenue, where the only WaWa in town is located and across from the C-View Restaurant, Big Wave Burritos is in and we’re not quite sure what was there before.
The Depot Market changes hands
On the beachfront, we already talked about the Solarium being vacated but speaking of being vacated, the Beach Theatre is dark and will remain so. Franks Theaters who reclaimed management of the 1951 movie house last summer after the non-profit Beach Theatre Foundation tried a stab the previous summer at both saving the theater from the wrecking cram and running the operation as tenants of the Franks lost the lease in a dispute regarding the safety of the theatre. The Middle Eastern restaurant next to ZeeBob’s Clothing Store is gone and The Sea Shanty is preparing for a grand opening. Shades of Cape May, also in the movie theater shopping center, is out and moved up to the 400 block of the Washington Street Mall last summer.
Further up the avenue, Seaside Sweets, vacated last summer, is still vacant. All the little shops at the Akroteria, across from Steger’s Beach, look as though they are returning.
On the east end of town, at the Montreal Hotel, the former Cafe Promenade is now Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grill. Named after Montreal Hotel founder and octogenarian, Harry Hirsch.
On Elmira Street, The Depot Market saw a change in ownership this year. Longtime chefs (Mad Batter) Chris and Lisa Shriver took over the Depot earlier this year and are bringing their flare for wholesome, slow cooked food, not to mention breakfast, including a chorizo egg and cheese burrito, specialty baked goods, assorted breakfast sandwiches, and more.
The Ladies Room Consignment Boutique replaces Bamboo Shack
Over on Jackson Street, across from Swain’s and where the WaWa used to be (insert boo hoos here), as we said earlier, Bath Time is out and moved onto the Mall. Miss Demeanor – a women’s clothing boutique – is in. Bamboo Shack is also out, moved over to Ocean Street, The Ladies Room Consignment Boutique is in. The Guardian and Mariah’s Gift Shop are still there and waiting for you to take a nice walk over and pay them a call.
Over in West Cape May, on Perry and West Perry Street we have some changes. Simply Sushi, right next to Higher Grounds Coffee, is out. Key West Taco is in. We hear some good things about Key West Taco – great ambience, great food at a great price. The West End Garage on West Perry Street, directly across from Wilbraham Park, opened last summer. Craftsmen, artists and purveyors of stuff gather there in an upscale artsy milieu.
Over at Park Boulevard Shops, Lisa’s Bake Shop didn’t make it through the summer and has been taken over by Seaside Cheese Shop. Now you have twice the space to taste cheeses and order some salami and prosciutto to go with it.
Over on Sunset Drive heading toward the point in the little shopping area known as Chattel House Village, Exit Zero’s retail outlet moved out of its Congress Hall location and into the former location of Birdhouse gift shop. Birdhouse moved into Sea Level’s location, closest to Sunset. Sea Level is out – in a sense. It was owned by the same people who operate Birdhouse. They simply absorbed the products into one location.
Further up on North Broadway, Bazaar Imports is out and Cape Winds Florist, formerly on Steven’s Street, is in and quite an eye catching addition to the corner of Broadway and Stimpson Lane.
Well, that’s the scoop for the summer of 2010. Give the new kids on the block a try and keep patronizing the tried and true. If we’ve forgotten anyone, give us an email, adieu until next year.
Wow. That is the most changes that I've ever seen. I'll have to print this out because I'll never remember where everyone went. Glad to see the Depot restaurant is still there. Good food. Looks like this bad economy has certainly affected the small businessman.
Susan,
That was so complete. I'm amazed that I actually remember 2 thirds of those businesses. Being a New Yorker, change is constant. The grocery store I go to today could very well be gone tomorrow.
Thank you for all the info. Keep up the great work.
Donna
Favorite column of the year. Thank you for doing this.
Also, taking over where Tides of Time was is PINK by Victorious SHOES! Next to the pink house and next to Geckos on Carpenters Square Lane!
I agree. This is my favorite column as well. I discovered the West End Garage when I was there in April and can highly recommend it. It's like walking through a folk art museum or an indoor high end crafts show. Really cool.
I loved M.S. Brown Jewelers (on Carpenters Lane). My husband bought most of my jewelry from them whenever we vacationed down there. Each piece of jewelry was a token for every trip taken down there. The owners, Mike and Gail, were the absolute best. Some of the best quality jewelry you'll ever find – and I come from NY so that's a huge compliment for them. Thank goodness they still have the main store in Wildwood.
Stumpos was our favorite restaurant for the past 12 or so years. We are so sorry to hear they are gone.
They simply had the best Italian food in all of Cape May. I will miss our family dinners there.
Just want to be sure Henry's is still there. Love having coffee on their terrace!
I was really disappointed with all the changes. I have been going to CMP since I was 5. My grandparents owned a house and now my parents do. I was really sad to see the movie theater closed, nothing has been done to Convention Hall :(. Don’t like the new railings on the boardwalk ramps either, like the ones that are still standing better. Don’t modernize the town too much, it will loose it’s charm.
Susan, as usual, you've done a terrific job of keeping us all up to date! Thanks!
I hope I can find my way around all the changes in town when we come down on vacation 6/18/10. Will the new Cape May 2010 book
show all the changes??? I usually buy one every year at the Exit Zero store….
Yes it will! Remember, our store is now located along Sunset Boulevard in the brightly painted chalets just before the Black Duck.
Good story, but would like to hear more about restaurants, which is one of the main reasons we come to CM. Anything you can tell us about changes in the restaurant scene (ownership/chefs/openings/closings) would be great.
Thanks!
We covered every restaurant change we are aware of (new owners, new locations, and closings). If we hear of others, we will add them to the piece.
I heard there were 2 new resturants opening one on beach n other on texas called Mangias.
OMG-It will be a fun summer going through all the new places. I agree that they need to get a move on with the new convention hall. I'm going to miss the Oasis-great sandwiches/pizza/funnel cake overlooking the beach.
I'm thrilled that the Gelateria in the Washington Commons was NOT mentioned. Their gelato was wonderful and I am looking forward to enjoying it this summer.
I agree. They have the best gelato I have ever eaten!
Put Latitudes Restaurant on your "Must try" list.
Chef/owner Bryan Brodowski brings his creativity, expertise and attention to detail, to any dish he serves.
Prior to Latitudes, he was chef/owner at an acclaimed restaurant in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Every meal was a treat!
Does Latitudes have a website? I couldn't find it.
Thanks.
They are opening today.
I guess it will be up shortly.
Hope someone is taking over making the "Stumpos" garlic knots. I don't know if I'll make it throught the summer without them!
What is a "garlic knot?"
Hi, Pam! Mario's Pizza in Washington Commons also makes garlic knots, which might help tide you over.
Why did Stumpos close? Every time we were there, even in late fall, the place was busy, and it was BYOB. what a shame, one less reason to got Cape May.
They closed for financial reasons.
Thanks for the updates….I'm making my first trip to Cape May next week!
I look for this article too every year so I know what to expect when I get to CM. I guess I don't know every place in CM like I like to think so because a couple places people mentioned in these comments I didn't hear of before, have to check them out in July. I think Acamia is also good for Italian food and it's great to hear the cheese shop has expanded. We found them out a couple years ago and now go each time to get our cheese (since they have different things and you can taste everything before you buy, the owner loves cheese) to go with our wine in the evening. Thanks.
i will miss stumpos very much–do you think they move somewhere else-keep me posted-thanks
Oh my gosh!
Cape May changed a little bit! Cape May.com alway's has what's happening! :)
~Madison
I have owned a house in Cape May for about four years now after vacationing there for many many years. Some changes made have been good for the City. We need to focus on getting that Convention Center built and that movie theatre open. I love Cape May and enjoyed the bands and dancing at the Convention Center and going to the movies on a rainy night. We know we have the best beaches, shops, restaurants and tourists but we all need things to do at night. So whatever it takes to get the Convention Center going, let's do it, and there has to be money that can get the theatre open again. Come on, I want to dance in Cape May again. I miss it so. All this wasted time and money on the Convention Center plans could have been done a long time ago. Wake up or Cape May will suffer and that would be unforgivable.
Wow, I have been going to Cape May all my life and am amazed at all the changes. My
Grandfather use to own the Merry Widow (before it was named the Merry Widow) and Stumpos has always been part of my memories at that location. The very best strombolis and hoagies ever. We are coming back this summer and lucky enough to be staying at the Merry Widow for a family reunion. Something will be missing without Stumpos. What gives with the Convention Center and the Theater??? Sheesh. Opportunities missed……
These changes are not good. Cape May is about tradition. Why would Stumpo's close? It was always packed. As for Tisha's, the food was great, but the view was the stronger selling point…the Mall location may fall short of expectations. And no movies downtown for rainy days? We have been coming to Cape May for 20 years, but if this is the trend, we may look at other options after this Summer. What a shame.
Stumpo's closed very suddenly and for financial reasons. It was not planned.
My husband and I have been going to CM for 20 years for vacation at least once a year and luckily more than once in the last several years and we had never gone to Stumpo's once, so we have no clue what the loss there will be, there are a lot of great restaurants in CM. I also never went to the movies while on vacation, I can do that at home and we've had some rainy times during our stays, however the building itself would be nice to preserve. The only thing I'm worried about is the look of the convention hall and what it will be like staying at a hotel near it while they are doing construction. CM still has its own unique charm no matter what and for whatever reason we all fall in love with one place over the other and CM is still it for me even though we gone to other places like Outer Banks and Maryland and Delaware beaches.
Have the Congress Hall shops reoipened. Will there be movie night on the beach again this year. So many changes. We have been coming to CM for over 24 years. I remember the year or two there were so many changes to the hotels/motels. But the changes in the shops, though exciting, is a bit scary for these economic times. Hopefully they can make it through and become staples of our future visits to CM. I hope the Wicker Store in West Cape May and the Bazzar next to Charlies ice cream in the mall iare still there. Sad about the theater and the Convention Hall. Doesn't the town council realize that these abandon buildings don't give a good impression of CM to new visitors.
Fantastic store, service & prices! It is a breath of fresh air in today's economy.