Locals are prepared for Yacht Club’s new look

Residents of Ocean Pines have been without a staple of their community for a few months, and it's on the mind of a lot of residents.  

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club, closed since January, is set to reopen soon.  Recently a source of controversy, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club is now under new management.

"I'm just glad it's going to open back up with somebody that knows the business, that's in the business, and can run it as a business.  I don't think the people at Ocean Pines were able to do that," said Tom Bierley, an Ocean Pines resident.

Locals are expressing gratitude that their Yacht Club finally seems to have direction.  Matt Ortt Companies, who spoke with residents at a Thursday town hall, will be spearheading the effort to turn the fortunes of the restaurant around.

The Yacht Club experienced a shortfall last year, contributing to an HOA increase in 2018.  Making matters worse, it was announced in January the restaurant would close for an extended period of time due to mold.

The men now at the helm say they can see how important this venue is to residents.

"We saw so many people come out that it lets us know how important this venue, and the Beach Club, and all of Ocean Pines is to the Ocean Pines community," said Matt Ortt, founder of the company.

Ortt has lived just outside of the Pines for over three decades, managing successful restaurants in the area including Rare and Rye in Ocean City.  He says hiring professionals could be the key to a turnaround at Mumford's Landing.

"They hired people that don't do this for a living.    We theme and design and create, and then staff and then operate restaurants, and that's all we do," said managing partner Ralph DeAngelus.  "Without the full gamete of experience then you're limiting what you can do.  We have all the bases covered, so I think we have an advantage that way."

The Yacht Club is scheduled to have a soft re-opening Monday May 14th.  Before then. the restaurant is still hiring.  We're told there are about 20 positions still open from dishwasher to bartender.

New this year is a taxi service, along with curb side service and food delivery to the restaurant.