AC, Newark, Nutley, Monmouth County among upcoming Restaurant Weeks (updated)

New Jersey’s diverse culinary scene will be on full display as several Restaurant Week events are poised to kick off this fall.

Nutley

Presented by the Nutley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Nutley Department of Public Affairs & Health and Commissioner John Kelly III, Restaurant & Foodie Week will be held Sept. 25-28.

Diners will be able to enjoy specials and discounts offered exclusively for the event at restaurants including: Jernick’s Specialties, Nutley Diner, Mamma Vittoria Catering, Custodi Caterers, Groundworks Café, Cowan’s Public, Kurly Kurtosh, Eden’s Sweet Ideas, Meal, Jimmy’s Bar & Event Space, The Oakley, Salumeria Regina, Pita Bowl, Sonoma Bistro, Luna Wood Fire Tavern and Cubita Café.

For more details on the offers and how to take advantage of the deals, click here.

Monmouth County

Set for Sept. 22-30, Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week will feature restaurants with at least one dish made with ingredients raised locally.

Launched in 2019, the initiative is coordinated by the Monmouth County Division of Economic Development as a way to support “the outstanding agriculture and products grown on our local farms, while also supporting the restaurants and their chefs who take that produce and turn them into culinary masterpieces,” said County Commissioner Lillian Burry, liaison to the Board of Agriculture.

“We encourage everyone to support their favorite Grown in Monmouth restaurant and enjoy some local products grown right here in Monmouth County,” Burry said.

Additional information about Grown in Monmouth Restaurant week can be found here, along with details about local farmers markets, community supported agriculture and gardens and produce distributors.

Participating establishments include:

618 in Freehold (produce from Two River Mushrooms in Millstone)
Almost Home General in Lincroft (produce from This Must Be The Farm in Freehold & Sweet Honey Farm in Marlboro)
Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Aberdeen
Apple Street Kitchen in Tinton Falls (produce from Apple Street’s own organic garden)
Amici Gelato & Caffe in Asbury Park (honey from Honeysuckle Nectary in Howell)
Beach Grille in Long Branch (produce from A. Casola Farms in Holmdel and Asprocolas Acres in Millstone)
Belford Bistro in Belford (produce from McCormack Farms in Middletown and Two River Mushrooms in Millstone)
Café 360 in Freehold (produce from Hometown Microgreens in Freehold)
Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck (produce from Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck)
Metropolitan Café in Freehold (produce from Hometown Microgreens in Freehold and Beyond Organic Growers in Howell)
Mutiny BBQ in Asbury Park (produce from Smiling Earth Mushrooms in Long Branch)
Palmer’s Quality Meats in Neptune City (produce from Skeleton Hill Provisions in Navesink)
Red Horse by David Burke in Rumson (produce from Two River Mushrooms in Millstone)
Solo Trattoria in Freehold (produce from Wright Way Farm in Allentown)
Tatchen’s in Freehold (produce from Gibson Farms in Freehold and Battleview Orchards in Freehold)
The Goat by David Burke in Union Beach (produce from Two River Mushroom in Millstone)
Tulip Tree Café in Freehold (produce from Twin Pond Farms in Howell)
Twin Pond Country Market & Deli in Howell (produce from Twin Pond Farms in Howell)
YB Eatery in Freehold (produce from Gibson Farm in Freehold)

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, we are thrilled to announce that Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week will return September 22-30 to help support our agriculture industry and our restaurants and eateries throughout the County,” added Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone, liaison to the Division of Economic Development. “We are excited to see how creative the restaurants will be with our Grown in Monmouth ingredients and invite everyone to come out and support our local businesses.”

Newark

From Sept. 22 through Oct. 1, restaurants from across the city’s five wards will serve up an array of pre fixe menus and exclusive offers for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner as part of Newark Restaurant Week.

The roster of 30-plus participating restaurants includes newcomers, such as Italian eatery Five Corners, to local favorites, such as Hobby’s Delicatessen, Uncle Willie’s Wings, Magic Cones Plant-Based Ice Cream, Five Corners and Mi Lindo Ecuador.

Presented by Invest Newark, the city’s economic development corporation, with support from The Junction at Gateway, Rutgers University-Newark and the New Jersey Devils, this year’s Newark Restaurant Week includes the introduction of the #NewarkRW foodie passport. Patrons who dine at a participating restaurant in each of Newark’s five wards and collect a passport stamp will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $1,000 gift card once Newark Restaurant Week wraps up.

“Newark has truly mastered the art of food, standing out as a beacon of culinary artistry. Through Newark Restaurant Week, we are showcasing the abundance of remarkable dining establishments that grace our city,” stated Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark. “We’re thrilled to provide both Newark residents and visitors the chance to delve into our city’s distinctive flavors and uncover its burgeoning food and beverage talents and offerings.”

For more information on specials, events and participating restaurants, click here.

Atlantic City

Scheduled to run Oct. 1-6, Atlantic City Restaurant Week will offer a variety of specially priced, multicourse meals at more than 50 participating restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Chelsea 5 Gastro Pub, Hard Rock Café, Capriccio, Dock’s Oyster House, Gordon Ramsay Steak and Il Mulino.

Now in its 15th year, ACRW is the largest dining event in the Atlantic County region. It is produced by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and supported by sponsors from the local business community.

According to organizers, participating restaurants will offer a three-course prix fixe dinner menu for $40.23 per person, a three-course lunch menu for $20.23 per person, or both. The three courses include an appetizer, entrée and dessert as well as portions and ingredients on par with what the restaurant usually serves.

Reservations are strongly encouraged as restaurants participating in Atlantic City Restaurant Week book up fast.

Visit here for more details.

Hillsborough

Now in its sixth year, Hillsborough Restaurant Week (Sept. 26 through Oct. 1) will feature a range of prix fixe menu dishes, daily combo offers and special menu items from local outdoor dining and takeout restaurants, as well as popular chains.

Participating restaurants in the Hillsborough Business Association-sponsored event include Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Bellemara Distillery, Dunkin’, Chilango’s, IHOP, Flounder Brewing, Just Subs, Moe’s Southwest Grill, The Landing, Old Man Rafferty’s, Rita’s, Petrock’s Bar & Grille, Ricky’s Thai, Restaurant at Royce Brook, Roman Gourmet, Super Sundaes, Tender Lovin Grill and Thai Chili House.

In a statement, Hillsborough Economic & Business Development Director Zuzana Karas said, “Restaurant Week is designed to recognize the many amazing establishments Hillsborough has. This week-long event encourages local tourism while highlighting our local restaurants in what they offer year-round. “

For a list of participating restaurants, visit www.hillsboroughbusiness.org

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 12:52 p.m. ET Sept. 18, 2023, to include a statement from Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone.

Amid challenging conditions, AC casinos show shrinking profits in Q2

The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) released its quarterly and year-to-date gaming figures this week, which show that Atlantic City’s nine casinos were profitable in the second quarter — but not nearly as profitable as just one year ago.

The casinos reported Q2 net revenue of $819 million, a 1.2% decrease over last year, and a gross operating profit of $146 million, a 21% drop from the second quarter of 2022.

Over the first six months of 2023, net revenue for the nine casino operators was $1.6 billion, a 1.5% increase from last year, while gross operating profit was $281.4 million, a 17.9% decrease from 2022.

“Atlantic City’s casino operators closed out the first half of 2023 on a hopeful note,” said Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism (LIGHT), Stockton University School of Business, in her analysis of the gaming report.

Bokunewicz noted that despite market competition, changes in gross gaming revenue mix and an increase in payroll expenses resulting from a new labor contract signed in July 2022, the year-to-date net revenue compares favorably to last year ($1.55 billion) and pre-pandemic levels ($1.49 billion in 2019). And while the first-half gross operating profit dropped from last year ($342.6 million), it still exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 ($244.9 million).

On the quarterly numbers, Bokunewicz pointed out that even though net revenue dipped a bit in Q2 compared with last year, it outperformed 2021 ($726.6 million) and pre-pandemic 2019 ($796.8 million).

“Gross operating profit for the quarter ($146 million), as for the year-to-date, declined noticeably compared to the same period in 2022 ($183.6 million), 2021 ($186.1 million) and pre-pandemic 2019 ($159.2 million),” Bokunewicz explained. “Given the increase in labor expenses that did not exist prior to July 2022 and increases in operational expenses overall this decline is not unexpected.”

“As reflected in net revenue, the size of the Atlantic City market in the first half and second quarter was similar to the same period last year, with individual operators competing for customers,” said New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis in his remarks about the report. “All operators were profitable despite reporting significantly higher costs, including but not limited to labor costs. The industry is employing approximately 1,000 more people in Atlantic City this year, which has been very positive for the workforce, the region, and the state.”

Hard Rock Atlantic City was the resort town’s most profitable casinos in the second quarter.

The three most profitable casinos were:

Hard Rock – $30.4 million for Q2 (down 20% from last year) and $52.7 million for the first half of 2023 (down 19% from 2022)
Ocean Resort – $23.9 million for Q2 (up 53.6% from last year) and $47.6 million for the first half of 2023 (up 39.5% from 2022)
Tropicana – $24.9 million for Q2 (down 17.8% from last year) and $41.7 million for the first half of 2023 (down 16.8% from 2022)

The second quarter hotel occupancy rate was 74.4%, marking a 3% decrease from last year, while the first-half occupancy rate for 2023 was 69.8% — a drop of just under 1% from 2022.

Bokunewicz also noted that nongaming revenue, a topic NJBIZ has reported extensively about, is becoming increasingly important to the industry’s overall revenue mix.

“At $399.6 million, nongaming revenues represented nearly half of total net revenues for second quarter 2023. This represents a notable increase in comparison to the same period in 2022 when nongaming revenues represented 45.2% of total net revenue for the quarter,” Bokunewicz explained. “The increase is a bit surprising because second quarter is not typically the busiest period for in-person activity in Atlantic City.”

She believes that the nongaming revenue share increase is not the result of recent declines in net gaming revenue, but rather part of a larger trend of increases in nongaming revenue overall.

“In recent months, Atlantic City’s casino hotels have made substantial investments in their in-person resort experiences,” said Bokunewicz. “These investments may indeed be paying off.”

Tanger Atlantic City launches rooftop sustainable garden

Tanger Atlantic City is furthering its commitment to becoming more eco-friendly by adding a sustainable garden on the roof of the popular shopping destination.

In partnership with rooftop farming leader Up Top Acres, the recently installed garden transforms a previously underutilized area into a productive space that will not only help reduce carbon emissions, but also provide the local community with nutritious food options, according to Tanger.

All aspects of The Gardens at Tanger will be maintained by Washington, D.C.-based Up Top Acres, including planting and maintenance of two 30-foot-long planters filled with a variety of vegetable crops – like kale, chard, peppers and eggplant – as well as popular pollinator herbs, such as lavender, chives, thyme, sage and rosemary.

During the June through October growing season, Up Top Acres will harvest the garden on a weekly basis to provide fresh produce for donation to C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Space), a Linwood nonprofit working to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.

In commenting on the rooftop garden’s launch, Tanger Atlantic City General Manager Kevin Saldana said, “By taking advantage of this unique available space, we’ll be able to provide a nourishing food source for the community and contribute to a more eco-friendly environment.”

Tanger Atlantic City has added a sustainable garden on its roof. — In partnership with Up Top Acres, a recently installed garden atop Tanger Atlantic City transforms a previously underutilized area into a productive space. – TANGER ATLANTIC CITY

He also noted it’s “the latest step in Tanger’s mission to implement sustainable practices throughout the center.”

Other initiatives at Tanger Atlantic City include a two-year-old partnership with urban beekeeping company Alvéole to house rooftop beehives to help increase the greater bee population locally and around the globe.

Tanger, whose portfolio includes 37 upscale open-air outlet centers, has made several other moves as part of its dedication to environmental responsibility and stewardship. Some of those programs include installing electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels as well as pursuing LEED Gold certification at many of its properties.

Up Top Acres is also partnering to open rooftop gardens at two other Tanger properties in Maryland and Georgia.

New details emerge for this month’s Atlantic City Airshow

Organizers of the Visit Atlantic City Airshow this week announced the lineup of civilian acts for the upcoming 2023 event, which takes flight above AC’s Boardwalk and beaches Aug. 16.

This year’s civilian performers include:

Claire Aviation
Classic Air Shows – Super Chipmunk
Extreme Flight LLC
Scott Francis Airshows
GO EZ Aerobatics
Jim Beasley

“Each year, the Visit Atlantic City Airshow relies on the talents and aviation expertise of both military and civilian performers alike,” said Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Michael Chait in a press release. “This year’s civilian performers are second to none and perfectly complement the performances from our military teams. From the Boardwalk to the beaches, spectators are sure to be dazzled by their aerobatics and piloting skills, and equally awed by their visually stunning aircrafts.”

The civilian performers complement an already impressive lineup announced by organizers, including the return of crowd-favorite military acts such as the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds, along with the long-awaited reappearance of the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team and our local 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard.

It all leads to growing buzz for the beloved annual event – the largest midweek beachfront airshow in the nation – which drew a record crowd of more than 550,000 people last year.

The 2023 show is a free event with great views available from the free public beaches and Boardwalk in AC, but this year, organizers have also introduced The Fly Zone — a new ticketed, private premium seating section.

One of the many notable performers at the Atlantic City Airshow is the U.S. Army Golden Knights. – VISIT ATLANTIC CITY

Show Day tickets for the space are priced at $25 each for children and adults 13 years and older. Fly Zone tickets for children from 6 to 12 years old are priced at $15 each, while children under 5 who are accompanied by an adult will be admitted for free. The price point for Fly Zone tickets on Practice Day (Aug. 15) is slightly lower — $20 per ticket for children and adults 13 years and older; $10 for children aged 6 to 12yearsold.

“The Fly Zone was designed with fun for the whole family in mind – with ample space to spread out, the ability to choose your own seating location, access to food and non-alcoholic drink vendors for purchase, portable restrooms and even activities like organized cornhole games and more,” said Chait. “There is really no better place to take in all of our amazing aerial acts right on the beaches of Atlantic City.”

Organizers say additional aircraft and performances are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

More information on the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow is available here.

Stockton AC’s summer work program expands in year two

After a successful debut last year, Stockton University is once again partnering with major Atlantic City businesses to offer students hands-on job opportunities, while helping to fill the seasonal labor shortage, as part of its Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience Live, Work, Learn program.

About 140 students took part in year one of the initiative, which included 12 major Atlantic City business partners. That number has swelled to 245 expected participating students this summer and 15 partner businesses, including seven casino hotels, AtlantiCare, the Chelsea Economic Development Corp., Mighty Writers of Atlantic City and others.

Students who qualify apply for paying jobs with the partner businesses. If they are hired, the employer pays for the student to live in Stockton’s Kesselman Hall on the boardwalk. The students are also provided a free four-credit class centered around work-readiness skills to help them better understand diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues.

In a press release, Brian Jackson, Stockton Atlantic City chief operating officer and a program coordinator, noted that the increase in students is a direct reflection of how successful the program was in year one.

“We’re really seeing the students more engaged this year,” said Jackson. “They are more interested in the work they are doing, and they appreciate the opportunities that these employers offer them as part of their summer experience.”

Mount Olive native Michael Mora, a junior and business management major, is a return participant with the Live, Work, Learn program.

“I was originally a social work major,” said Mora. “Then I started working last summer at Borgata, and I liked the business and management aspect of this, so I switched (his major) over to that.”

He described it as a perfect opportunity.

“You don’t have to worry about anything,” said Mora. “You just get to work. This is the perfect job to go with my major.”

Michael Mora, of Mount Olive, is also part of the Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience: Live, Work, Learn program. — Michael Mora, of Mount Olive, is a return participant of the Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience: Live, Work, Learn program. The junior business management major is a food and beverage supervisor of in-room dining at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. – LIZZIE NEALIS/STOCKTON UNIVERSITY

He is one of about 50 students who returned to the program and kept last year’s job throughout the school year. He is also one of about 30 in the program who works as a supervisor. In Mora’s case, he serves as food and beverage supervisor of in-room dining at the Borgata, as well as works at the indoor pool bar at the casino’s MGM Tower.

“That’s pretty amazing for a college student to be able to say they have that kind of management experience that they can put on their resume,” said Jackson.

In addition to the unparalleled experience and opportunity it offers students, the program also provides a partial solution to a concern for many of the partner businesses — to find seasonal employees every summer. Borgata hired the most Stockton students, about 70.

“We certainly got applicants for seasonal positions that are challenging to fill,” said Rick Berninger, vice president of human resources at Borgata. “The students are really good. They’re friendly. They are good with customer service. They are eager and willing to learn. Those things go a long way for us.”

“You can learn a lot in the classroom, but you learn a lot more hands-on,” Mora added. “It’s dealing with people and dealing with different situations that are stressful. It’s really educational.”

AC casinos continue adapting to ‘new’ normal, June figures show

In his remarks following the release of the Division of Gaming Enforcement’s (DGE) June 2023 numbers late last week, New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis commented that, “Atlantic City’s casino hotels are building synergy between online and traditional gaming by providing customers the opportunity to enjoy the diverse experiences of a destination resort.”

Some of the toplines of that report include:

Brick-and-mortar gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the nine casino hotel properties hit $241.6 million in June — a 5.4% increase versus last year;
Year-to-date brick-and-mortar GGR was $1.36 billion — a 3.5% increase over last June;
Internet gaming win was $149.3 million, reflecting 12.1% growth compared with June 2022;
The June sports betting handle was $591.1 million — down 24.1% and 6.6% from this May and June 2022, respectively;
June’s sports betting revenue was $66.4 million — down 19.2% from this May, but up 69.1% from June 2022;
Total GGR reported by casinos, racetracks and their partners was $457.2 million in June — a 13.9% increase from June 2022;
Year-to-date total GGR by casinos, racetracks and their partners was $2.73 billion — a 12.1% increase from the previous year.

Plousis described the report as a positive start to the summer season for Atlantic City.

“Gains in all three reported areas – casino win, internet gaming win, and sports wagering revenue – demonstrate that online and traditional gaming are a winning combination,” Plousis explained. “Last month, casino win was the highest reported for any June in 11 years. Total gaming revenue exceeded $400 million for a fourth consecutive month.”

Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism (LIGHT), Stockton University School of Business, noted in her analysis of the report that in the first six months of 2023, Atlantic City’s casino operators have generated $2.47 billion in total GGR, approaching the entirety of 2015, 2016 and 2017, when the city claimed more than $2.5 billion in total GGR.

As further evidence of the segment’s growing importance to the overall gaming revenue mix, Bokunewicz also pointed out that over a third of 2023 revenue has been generated by internet gaming, which was recently authorized for another five years during the home stretch of the state budget process.

But there are some concerns about getting people back to all of the properties in this new, post-pandemic normal.

“Although the first six months of the year surpassed the same period in 2022 and every year since 2014 for brick-and-mortar GGR, when the city’s two newest properties Hard Rock and Ocean are excluded, the seven other properties fell short of their pre-pandemic levels,” Bokunewicz explained. “Between 2015 and 2019, the seven casinos consistently generated over $1 billion in brick-and-mortar GGR in the first half of the year. At $931.1 million for the first half of 2023, and $911.5 million in the first half of 2022, the properties have yet to achieve this milestone post-pandemic.”

Construction of the $100 million Island Waterpark is nearing completion at the Showboat Resort, billed as a “family-friendly, year-round” attraction. — The $100 million Island Waterpark at The Showboat Resort in Atlantic City covers 120,000 square feet and holds more than 317,000 gallons of water. Click here to read more.

Bokunewicz stressed that it is important to remember that the monthly gross gaming reports offer only a glimpse into the gaming side of the casino resort operations, especially as Atlantic City makes a concerted effort to diversify and expand its non-gaming options as it looks to attract more visitors, NJBIZ has reported.

“When the Division of Gaming Enforcement releases the second quarter report for 2023, which will also include revenue from nongaming resort operations, we will have a more complete picture of the state of the industry in Atlantic City,” said Bokunewicz. “If trends we saw disrupted by the pandemic reestablish themselves, we may see Atlantic City’s operators embrace a more ‘Las Vegas’ approach to their gaming and nongaming revenue balance with the greater share of on-property revenues generated by activities off the gaming floor.”

Showboat’s new waterpark opens July 4, ahead of (re)scheduled date

After a last-minute permitting issue delayed the opening of The Showboat Resort’s new $100 million Island Waterpark June 30, an expedited effort over the Fourth of July holiday allowed the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark to open Tuesday, a few days earlier than its previously rescheduled July 7 debut.

NJBIZ has extensively reported about the new facility, which is at the center of efforts in Atlantic City to diversify nongaming offerings.

The waterpark was originally set to open June 30, in time for the holiday weekend. However, those plans had a wrench thrown in them as the facility failed to secure required permits in time for that opening date.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression. I’ve decided to open Island Waterpark on July 7. This is the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark and a destination that will last many decades, so I want to ensure everything is perfect,” Bart Blatstein, Tower Investments CEO and Showboat owner, said in a late afternoon statement released June 30 – the day Island Waterpark was set to open. “We are so looking forward to sharing this whole new realm of family entertainment on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. We can’t wait for our guests – both kids and adults – to experience this paradise and enjoy it all year round.”

That set off a feverish effort to take care of the remaining requirements needed to open, including city inspectors and staffers at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) working during the holiday to help make that happen.

At around midday on July 4, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., posted on social media that Island Waterpark had cleared the final permit hurdles.

Blatstein then put out a press release confirming the news that the highly anticipated waterpark officially opened its doors to the public at noon Tuesday.

“On July 4th, I want to declare our independence from being known as just a casino town, to a family-friendly beach resort that also has casinos,” said Blatstein. “This Independence Day, I’m opening the doors to a whole new world of family entertainment on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk.”

Blatstein thanked the governor, state and local leaders for their support of the project.

“And I especially want to extend my sincere appreciation to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small as this is indeed a great day in Atlantic City,” Blatstein added.

.@IWPAtlanticCity is now OPEN! 🌊⛱️

As the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, Island Waterpark at @Showboat_AC occupies 100,000 sq. ft. featuring 11 different slides, a splash pad, a lazy river, & a retractable roof for year-round waterpark fun.#AtlanticCity #VisitAC pic.twitter.com/9uQlNC0CMJ

— Visit Atlantic City (@Visit_AC) July 5, 2023

Borgata celebrates 20th anniversary in Atlantic City (slideshow)

As the summer season kicks into full gear, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is ramping up festivities to mark its momentous 20th anniversary in Atlantic City.

When it opened in 2003, Borgata was the largest and tallest hotel in the Garden State and the first new resort in AC in 13 years. And officials point out that the resort has continued to expand and reinvest in itself throughout the years, including a recent $55 million redesign and rebrand of the Water Club, now renamed the MGM Tower.

NJBIZ has continued to report on the extensive redevelopment currently taking place throughout Atlantic City.

“Borgata has been a leader in the Atlantic City market since our doors opened in 2003,” said Travis Lunn, president and COO of Borgata, in a press release. “Embarking on a remarkable 20-year journey, Borgata remains committed to delivering the best-in-class service and amenities through crafting unforgettable experiences for every guest.”

Borgata says that its community impact extends beyond just the casino walls and has included a number of charitable initiatives and partnerships with local and regional organizations, resulting in $3.5 million in total financial support and more than 1,800 estimated volunteers participating in events since opening. Last month, Borgata held its largest-ever social impact event, bringing together over 120 volunteers, along with Feed the Funnel and The Pack Shack, to assemble 50,000 easy-to-prepare shelf-stable meals that were distributed to food banks across the Atlantic City region.

In addition to the MGM Tower redesign and rebrand – which includes more than 700 completely reimagined guest rooms and a collection of luxury Vista Suites – Borgata is also ramping up entertainment options to commemorate the anniversary, noting that amusements are at the heart of what they do.

On July 3, at 9 p.m., Borgata is partnering with Verge Aero to light up the Atlantic City skyline with a drone show, which will feature over 10 minutes of “dramatically choreographed spectacular using cutting-edge technology in celebration of Borgata’s 20th Anniversary and Independence Day.”

Leading up to the anniversary, Borgata has hosted its ongoing Summer Savor Borgata Culinary series.

To further celebrate the milestone, the resort is offering “elite experiences” to guests and showing appreciation to its dedicated staff through the “20 Days for 20 Years” initiative, running since June 20 until July 9, where team members have a chance to win prizes.

“Join us as we continue to celebrate 20 monumental years in our lavish new MGM Tower, indulge in innovative entertainment and gourmet cuisine, and discover thrilling gambling adventures throughout the summer,” Lunn added.

AC’s Bader Field project signs 1st construction partner

Earlier this year, Atlantic City signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DEEM Enterprises LLC for its proposed Renaissance at Bader Field development, a planned $3.2 billion dollar, net-zero carbon LEED Platinum community centered around a race track. Now, the company is marking another milestone on its pursuit to transform the 143-acre tract of land.

DEEM Enterprises recently announced signing its first construction contract for the redevelopment effort with Florida-based Northstar Technologies Group, which makes fiber reinforced polymer composite structural building systems.

Beyond the significance the agreement holds for this specific project, DEEM Enterprises said the partnership is also the first large-scale sustainable project in the world to utilize advanced composite building technologies for energy efficiency, resiliency and sustainability.

For the Bader Field project, DEEM Enterprises said Northstar will set up shop at the site, retrofitting the current Skate Zone building into a 70,000-square-foot temporary manufacturing facility. Once the project is finished, the developer said, Northstar will relocate to a permanent facility within the greater Atlantic City area.

According to its website, Northstar’s mission is to advance modern construction methods “by offering the first complete building system without using concrete, steel or wood.” DEEM says using the technology in commercial and residential construction efforts for Renaissance at Bader Field will help to build-up eco-friendly developments while negating any environmental deficit, which can serve as a model in sustainable building more broadly.

“The Renaissance at Bader Field project is more than a redevelopment; it’s a catalyst for transformation, and for the future of Atlantic City,” Erick Feishtans, CEO of DEEM Enterprises, said in a prepared statement. “I am incredibly excited for this partnership with Northstar as we move forward in our ongoing commitment to the New Jersey Green Economy, and I’m confident that our work together will be transformative across the board.”

Under the terms of the MOU with Atlantic City, Skate Zone – an indoor ice-skating facility with an NHL-sized rink – operations will be relocated to an alternate site within Atlantic City, DEEM Enterprises said.

“This move will be a boon for the local job economy. It will include minimum targets to utilize local companies and workers as well as WBE [Women Business Enterprise] and MBE [Minority Business Enterprise] businesses during the construction phase, create thousands of substantial manufacturing and high-tech jobs, and provide training programs to various local labor unions participating in the project,” the company added.

Ushering in change

The MOU cleared the City Council unanimously in March 2023, at the time, granting the developer exclusivity for six months to do due diligence at the site, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said in a statement at the time.

“This project won’t just change the landscape of Atlantic City, but it will give our taxpayers relief like never before,” he said then. “The ratable base will nearly double.”

According to the city, beyond the new infrastructure the project will create, Atlantic City stands to receive $115 million as part of the agreement with DEEM Enterprises. Of that, $15 million would be used to create a recreation center in the city and up to an additional $7 million would go toward dredging.

“What I don’t think gets discussed enough is this won’t cost the city taxpayers a dime,” Small said with the March announcement. “Immediately, $500,000 will be deposited into a city escrow account for professionals from the state and city to do their due diligence along the way to keep this project moving along. DEEM has a six-month window to show us what they got. This is their chance.”

Bader Field has been closed since 2006.

Did you know?

Last month, Atlantic City was named New Jersey’s 35th transit village. Read more about the designation and what it means for the city and its progress here.

Originally proposed as a $2.7 billion plan, DEEM Enterprises’ latest announcement reflects an uptick to $3.2 billion. With a 2.44-mile, members-only driving circuit at its center, the project is set to include a range of housing options – 423 luxury “motor-centric” condominiums, 250 mid-rise luxury condos, 473 high-rise luxury condos, and 400 market rate and affordable housing units within a mixed-use development – a 160-room hotel, 230,000 square feet of retail and office space, and more.

While DEEM Enterprises was ultimately chosen, a competing, $3 billion plan for the Bader Field site was put forth last November by a joint venture between Post Brothers and Tower Investments Inc., which is led by Showboat owner Bart Blatstein as CEO.

The movement on the site comes as Atlantic City seeks to diversify its offerings and reinvest in its attractions, with casinos investing more than $1 billion in the market over the past several years.

In March, DEEM Enterprise Representative Dan Gallagher alluded to how Renaissance at Bader Field fits into those efforts.

“And I’m telling you, this is just the beginning,” he said in a statement at the time. “You’re going to see a lot of other projects behind this.”

Showboat’s $100M Island Waterpark set to open July 7 (updated)

The highly anticipated, $100 million Island Waterpark at The Showboat Resort, originally scheduled to open June 30, will now begin welcoming guests July 7, according to a statement NJBIZ received at 5:50 p.m. June 30.

The largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world, which NJBIZ detailed in the June 19 issue, is also being dubbed as the world’s premier indoor entertainment experience.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression. I’ve decided to open ISLAND Waterpark on July 7. This is the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark and a destination that will last many decades so I want to ensure everything is perfect,” Bart Blatstein, Tower Investments CEO and Showboat owner, said in a statement. “We are so looking forward to sharing this whole new realm of family entertainment on the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. We can’t wait for our guests-both kids and adults–to experience this paradise and enjoy it all year round.”

Covering 120,000 square feet and holding more than 317,000 gallons of water, the waterpark features 11 slides, including the Electric Eel, Sonic Serpent and Barracuda Blaster tube slides; three Tidal Racers mat racer slides; and five waterslides for younger visitors at Slide Island.

Island Waterpark also features:

The 1,000-square-foot Wild Wave FlowRider surf simulator
Blue Cascade Waterfall, a man-made waterfall that is one of the largest custom water forms in the world
A 30-foot-tall Indoor Tree House that can be booked for private parties
Adventure Pool, where guests can play various water sports
A 6,500-square-foot Island Drift Lazy River that extends nearly the length of the waterpark
Kids Cove, a play area with interactive water activities for younger visitors
Paradise Adult Island, a 10,000-square-foot space overlooking the waterpark and ocean that includes DJ entertainment
Bliss Pool, an adults-only pool facing the Atlantic Ocean with the only swim-up bar in Atlantic City
An adults-only area that includes Peloton bikes, manicure stations, chair massages, work spaces, VIP cabanas, and more
Six bars with craft beers, curated wines, and signature cocktails
A more than 1,000-foot Coconut Zero-Gravity Coaster that takes guests on a ride suspended high above the waterpark
The 300-foot-long RipTide Zip Line

Showboat officials say the waterpark offers a mix of activities and amenities that offers adults a chance to dance, escape, relax and socialize while the kids enjoy the waterpark. At night, Island Waterpark transforms into an adult-only nightlife venue.

The facility also features a retractable glass roof that can be opened during the warmer months and closed during inclement and colder weather.

Summer admission rates start at $89 for daytime general admission. Twilight admission starts at $69 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. All-Access VIP admission starts at $119. Members of the military and Atlantic City’s first responders will receive a $10 discount while children under 3 are admitted free.

In a class of its own

Tower Investments Inc. CEO Bart Blatstein announces a joint venture between his company and Post Brothers in Atlantic City Nov. 21, 2022, that would establish Casa Mar, a $3 billion development built on 140 acres at the Bader Field site. — Tower Investments Inc. CEO Bart Blatstein and Showboat Resort owner, shown in Nov. 21, 2022 – [email protected]

“Atlantic City has long been one of the most iconic destinations for entertainment geared for adults, but now Island Waterpark at The Showboat Resort will open up a whole new world of family entertainment on the boardwalk,” Blatstein said. “When people see this, they will be blown away; it is truly like entering a tropical paradise and the best part is that people -both kids and adults – will be able to enjoy it all year round.”

Brandon Dixon, president of Tower Investments, says that this waterpark is in a class of its own.

“No matter the weather nor the time of year, everyday will always be warm and sunny in the waterpark,” said Dixon. “At night it also will be hot year-round with nightlife entertainment for adults. This opening rides on the success of the Lucky Snake Arcade and Raceway, and Showboat is so proud to continue to deliver the most dynamic and exhilarating non-gaming fun on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.”

As NJBIZ noted in that June 19 story, diversifying non-gaming offerings is a major area of focus city-wide for elected leaders, casino operators, developers and other affiliated stakeholders, as part of an effort to attract more visitors to Atlantic City especially amid more robust regional competition.

In an interview with NJBIZ, Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey and president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, particularly pointed to Showboat’s efforts since being purchased by Blatstein in 2016 – with projects such as the aforementioned Island Waterpark and Lucky Snake Arcade in addition to Raceway Go Kart Indoor Track and an estimated $50 million reinvestment for building renovations – as a prime example of what is possible with the right investment, commitment and imagination.

“I think that is such a significant message to the point I’m trying to make. This is not a casino and they’re spending upwards of about $100 million on a waterpark and the revitalization of the Showboat,” Giannantonio told NJBIZ. “That’s a significant investment in Atlantic City and in that building. It’s [Island Waterpark] going to be a game-changer for Atlantic City. And it was not a casino that did it. It was private investment.”

Company officials say that this transformation into The Showboat Resort also marks the completion of the renovation project’s first phase, including 477 guest rooms (36 of which are Balcony suites, the only balconies on the Atlantic City Boardwalk), two Super Suites, and 16 Junior Suites. A further revamping of the additional towers’ rooms, suites, lobby, and other common areas is expected to be completed by the fall.

“Atlantic City is a world-class resort,” Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism (LIGHT), School of Business, Stockton University, told NJBIZ. “It is important to remind people, both inside and outside of the city, of that in case they’ve forgotten. Reinvestment is the reminder that we’re still here, still providing a top gaming, and nongaming, product.”

More information on the new Island Waterpark can be found here.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:58 p.m. June 30 to include an updated opening date.

Internet wagering revenue surges in May gaming report

New Jersey casinos and their partners reported an internet gaming win of $161.4 million last month, increasing 1.6% from April ($158.9 million) and up 18.7% versus last May ($136 million).

“In May 2023, we saw the continuation of a trend with significant month-over-month growth in total gross gaming revenue for Atlantic City operators driven primarily by internet gaming revenue,” said Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director for the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism (LIGHT), Stockton University School of Business, in her analysis of the May 2023 numbers released June 19 by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Other toplines from the May report include:

Total gross gaming revenue – $470.9 million: Up 1.8% from April ($462.7 million) and up 9.4% from May 2022 ($430.6 million)
Brick-and-mortar gross gaming revenue – $227.3 million: Down 1.8% from April ($231.5 million) and down 2.4% from May 2022 ($233 million)
Sports betting handle – $778.9 million: Down 6.6% from April ($834 million) and up 1.6% from May 2022 ($766.4 million)
Sports betting revenue – $82.2 million: Up 13.6% from April ($72.3 million) and up 33.4% from May 2022 ($61.6 million)

“May 2023 total gross gaming revenue for Atlantic City’s operators set a new near-term record for May monthly revenue and contributed to total year-to-date gross gaming revenues of over $2 billion – another near-term record,” said Bokunewicz. “May 2023 internet gaming at $161.4 million represented approximately 38% of Atlantic City gaming operators’ total gross gaming revenue for the month, compared to nearly 35% of total gross gaming revenue in May 2022 and 14.4% in May 2019.”

The strong showing from internet gaming comes as a bill to extend its authorization here in New Jersey moves through the Legislature.

“In May, Atlantic City’s casino win was lower compared to the same month last year. While most of the casinos won less at the gaming tables and slot machines, it was still Atlantic City’s second-best May in nine years,” said New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis in response to the May report. “Internet gaming win and sports wagering revenue continued to be strong, helping push Atlantic City’s gaming revenue to over $400 million for a third consecutive month. This year, Atlantic City’s total gaming revenue reached $2 billion faster than any other year in the past decade.”

Bokunewicz noted that the gross gaming revenues exceeded 2019 ($222.9 million), but while it marks a continuation of a return to pre-pandemic levels—it is not the amount of growth many have hoped to see.

“Traditional gaming products like slots and table games are not growing as quickly as newer products (for example, online slots and mobile sports betting),” said Bokunewicz. “This hints at a lasting change in consumer behavior as casino patrons have made these newer products part of their regular casino experience.”

She also pointed to the nongaming amenities that are becoming a larger part of the casino experience, which NJBIZ reported in the June 19 issue.

“In the first quarter of 2023, we saw rooms, food & beverage and entertainment revenue grow while casino revenue was down slightly. Even with internet gaming growing in popularity, the resort experience, with a diverse offering of dining and entertainment options, is something that consumers seem to be demanding more of – and operators are planning to supply more of based on recent investments in their properties,” Bokunewicz explained.

Bokunewicz closed out her comments by reiterating that Atlantic City’s casino operators are right at the beginning of what is expected to be an important summer season.

“In future reports from the DGE we look forward to seeing how recent investment in casino properties, increases in personnel costs and changing customer behavior in response to regional competition impact the industry’s profitability and the balance of gaming and nongaming revenue streams,” she added.

Atlantic City designated as state’s 35th Transit Village

Late last week, the Murphy Administration announced that Atlantic City has been designated as New Jersey’s 35th Transit Village.

The Transit Village Initiative, which began in 1999, connects the designated municipalities with a task force made up of 10 state agencies that help implement mixed-use development, Complete Streets accommodations and more near transit facilities. The initiative, administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), provides participating municipalities with planning expertise and grant opportunities to redevelop land near train or other transit facilities.

“To receive a Transit Village designation, a municipality must develop a plan for redevelopment that promotes economic activity and public transportation,” said NJDOT Commissioner Dianne Gutierrez-Scaccetti in a press release. “Atlantic City’s plan to create a mixed-use neighborhood near the Atlantic City rail station will transform one of New Jersey’s premier destinations in a way that will enhance the quality of life for the residents, as well as visitors, through enhanced bike and pedestrian facilities near public transportation, shops, and restaurants.”

Transit Village designation provides:

A commitment from the state to the municipality’s redevelopment vision
Coordination and technical assistance among the 10 state agencies that comprise the Transit Village Task Force
Priority consideration for certain funding opportunities

Through this designation and using the Atlantic City rail station as the focal point, the city’s objective in the Transit Village District is to promote compact, mixed-use development, a walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly environment around the station area. Officials plan to increase housing opportunities within walking distance of shops, restaurants, offices, entertainment and cultural centers by increasing the opportunities for pedestrian activity and reducing reliance on cars, which they believe will reduce traffic congestion and pollution and improve safety and security while boosting the local economy.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. — Small

“It’s been important to the Small Administration to enhance public transit, strengthen our economy and encourage development near our transit facilities,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., in a statement. “With this recognition and support, we will continue our efforts to make even greater improvement for our community. On behalf of our residents and visitors, we thank Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Transportation for designating the Great City of Atlantic City as a Transit Village.”

Atlantic City’s Transit Village District falls within jurisdiction of both the city and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), which have formed a partnership that will enhance development through CRDA financing capabilities to facilitate residential and commercial projects.

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