Acclaimed Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr is celebrating his return to the dining scene in Atlantic City.

During a July 18 grand-opening event, the James Beard Award winner unveiled two new concepts he developed in partnership with Ocean Casino Resort:

• Chez Frites – a 150-seat contemporary French steakhouse featuring a lively bar and prix fixe menu that includes steak, salmon and lobster accompanied by salad and unlimited signature golden fries
• Sunny’s – an American breakfast and lunch bistro offering a reimagining of classic comfort dishes with a sophisticated twist, such as meatloaf, Nutella French toast, pigs in a blanket and lobster rolls

Chez Frites and Sunny’s are on the lobby level and replace the former Sky Café and Harpers. Both restaurants are open for walk-ins, and reservations will be accepted starting Aug. 1.

‘A full circle moment’

Since founding Starr Restaurants in 1995, Starr has grown the business to become one of the largest multi-concept and independent restaurant groups in the U.S. Its 30-plus establishments span Philadelphia, New York, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Starr previously had Atlantic City offshoots of two of his best-known Philadelphia restaurants, Buddakan and Continental, at the former Pier at Caesars. Both establishments closed during the pandemic after nearly 15 years in business.

Ahead of the openings at Ocean Casino Resort, Starr said, “American and French cuisines have always been two of my favorites, each offering its own unique sense of comfort, tradition and indulgence. Helping to shape these experiences with Chez Frites and Sunny’s in Atlantic City is especially exciting, and I can’t wait for guests to experience them.”

He also said, “It feels like a full circle moment for me to work on restaurant projects in Atlantic City, a place where I formed some of my finest childhood memories, both at the beach and on America’s most popular boardwalk, where I worked as a teenager.”