‘This town is never dull:’ Ocean City making preparations for upcoming season
OCEAN CITY, Md.- “Lots of new! That’s what visitors can expect to see traveling into Ocean City this summer. The resort town is now nearing up for the 2023 season.
“We got our first Maryland crab last week of the season so that’s always a big plus. People are always happy to get that,” Heiderman said.
The Hobbit Restaurant Owner Garvey Heiderman says summer 2022 was strong.
He expects the upcoming season to have that same bang for more reasons than one. “Us just being situated geographically in a very good place and the amount of people who’ve moved down here in the last couple of years. Also, the town has continued to push more events and support all the new influx of business,” Heiderman said.
As they prepare for the extra foot traffic, Heiderman says he fears proposed legislation by Maryland lawmakers could put a wrench in plans. “Everything from trying to limit the tip credits, drastic increases in minimum wage, and paying people for hours they’re not actually working,” Heiderman said.
“The more pressure they put on us and the more financial pressure they put on us, we have to raise prices which all gets passed on to the customer.”
That’s where the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce steps in. Executive Director Amy Thompson says they’re focused on connecting the business community to more resources and attracting workers. “We’ve been looking at how can we modify language that helps affordable housing and how can we create opportunities to get some help incentivizing seasonal housing for J1 exchange students or for college kids who just want to relocate down here for the summer,” Thompson said.
Despite these worries, Thompson says the summer season is a big boost for the local economy. The secret she says is an entrepreneurial spirit that’s alive and well. “Especially these visitors who come year after and they have their favorite spots they go to, there’s so much new to enjoy and take part in. This town is never dull, that’s for sure.”
“The professional bull riding event is coming, Ocean’s Calling is coming, these huge events that are bringing different eyes ball in which is going to help our members.”
The OC business community says they’re starting to see some relief with that labor shortage which will help many businesses recruit for the upcoming season.
The Hobbit tells us they hope to keep diners coming back with new menu items and supporting other businesses by purchasing local fresh produce.
Owner Garvey Heiderman also owns a compost business, which has also seen a lot of success.
