By Logan Dubel
All-you-can-eat buffets were among the businesses hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. When the Taustin Group shuttered the doors on the iconic Embers Buffet at the start of the pandemic, they never imagined that they would not see the local staple in action ever again. However, as maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols challenged the restaurant industry amidst the slow reopening process, the Taustin management team believed that the habits of diners were changing.
So, while the members of the Taustin team were quarantining, they searched for new options for the vital 24th Street property. Now, a new era will soon begin at the old Embers site, with construction in progress on a massive three-story building that will house countless new businesses, offering retail, food, and entertainment.
Among the occupants are Jay’s Café and Trading Co. and The Other One Brewing Co. on the first floor, and a reincarnation of the Embers Restaurant on the third floor. The second floor will offer experience-based activities for families.
Management hopes that the new building provides something for everyone. “Throughout the pandemic, we explored what this property could offer the community for tourists and locals alike, said Kyler Taustin, Director of Marketing. “We searched for a property model that would excite our loyal patrons of the Taustin Group but also bring something different to the Town of Ocean City.”
The new site will maximize its outdoor space with a full-scale courtyard shared by all the businesses on the property.
Jay’s Café will serve as a convenient morning stop for many visitors, with delicious coffee and pastries, but will also have sandwiches perfect for taking to the beach.
Plus, as craft beer continues to make its mark on our coastal community, The Other One Brewing Company promises to offer an adventurous experience. The new site will have a rotating tap list as well as beer-inspired snacks and cocktails. Plus, unlike many other local breweries, staff will be able to brew throughout the day, with customers even having the chance to take a peek at the process.
Founder and Head Brewer Nathan Todd is no stranger to brewing on the shore. On the contrary, he spent the past decade working for Backshore Brewing on the Boardwalk, which closed at the end of last year. With countless experiences under his belt and a lifetime of passion for craft beer, he cannot wait to get to work.
For Todd, this is a dream decades in the making. “This space will allow visitors to see and experience every aspect of beer, from watching the brewing process to trying new drinks and enjoying times with friends while listening to good music. Over the past ten years, I have had the chance to talk with people all across the Boardwalk and love the chance to share my passion and education about beer with them,” he said. “This is something that I love and can’t wait to share with people. It is important to me that we don’t focus only on a flashy look, but an authentic experience that provides Ocean City with a place where beer is truly made unique to our town.”
Above the brewery, the reincarnated Embers will have an entirely new open concept kitchen and a relaxing bayside ambiance, paying tribute to the rustic sheik lounge-style origins of the Embers on 9th Street in the 1970s. Most menu items will flow through massive brick ovens, with the new restaurant specializing in Neapolitan pizzas with seasonal flavors.
These changes are not the only thing happening lately on the 24th Street block. The Taustin Group has not skipped a beat during the pandemic, making major adjustments to BLU Crabhouse and Raw Bar.
With recent updates, the restaurant now maximizes its outdoor space. The beach bar remains open, but there are elevated outdoor spaces with picturesque views. Additionally, the team incorporated some of the old Embers building into BLU, allowing the restaurant to also take advantage of indoor components and continue serving diners year-round. BLU now holds many more events and tastings during the shoulder seasons.
Finally, Embers Island Miniature Golf on 23rd Street continues to welcome patrons, adding yet another excursion to the all-inclusive site.
“Seeing the evolution of this property and watching the dreams of so many people all come together is very special,” Taustin reflected. “This is exactly what my family has hoped for this property to become for so long – for people to be able to come to one spot and get the full Ocean City experience.”
Jay’s Café and The Other One Brewing Company expect to begin welcoming customers by June, and the remainder of the building will open on a rolling basis. Stay tuned for additional updates.
*Editor’s Note: Many remaining buffet restaurants have reopened in Ocean City, ensuring the safety of all patrons through mitigation practices.*
From the sand and surf to coastal food and activities, Ocean City truly has it all. Although a typical trip consists of relaxation by the sea, sometimes a visit is not complete without a little action. For nearly six decades, 
First started in 1964 by local entrepreneur Buddy Jenkins, the park initially opened as a putting course and driving range. Jenkins worked in collaboration with golf icon Arnold Palmer to open the amusement hub. However, Jolly Roger would quickly grow with the addition of more than 15 rides over the next few years. By 1970, Splash Mountain opened, and Speedworld followed soon after in 1976, and the expansion has never stopped. Jolly Roger consistently seeks ways to evolve as the demand from tourists only increases.
The excitement continues with rides along both of Jolly Roger’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheels, offering visitors an aerial view of the bustling resort town.
Still, the park is far more than a business. It is a true titan of the community. Jolly Roger always gives back and engages in philanthropic efforts. In 2017, the staff launched 
The free four day family festival will include live music, countless artisan vendors, and delicious food. Music will run all day every day, with many local acts taking the stage. If the music just calls out your name and you want the beat to go on into the night, check out the ticketed headliner concerts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Bands include Romeo Delight, the ultimate Van Halen experience, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and finally, the iconic Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Yes, Springfest is certainly part of what “built this city,” in the eyes of Special Events Director Frank Miller and Coordinator Brenda Moore.
After three decades, Springfest is a longtime local tradition the town and its visitors continue to take pride in – it’s the unofficial kickoff to the reason why our town exists – the long-awaited summer.
Listen up, families! When visiting Ocean City, everyone typically has one pure and simple goal – relaxation. However, sometimes the kids, and even adults, get tired of spending each day of their vacation soaking up the summer sun, and are looking for new excursions. Does this sound familiar? If so, there’s a unique activity that promises to occupy your day with adventurous competition and family fun.
In addition to offering recreational fun, the owners strongly believe in paintball’s ability to foster team building. Over the past few years, OC Paintball has welcomed countless groups including churches, little league teams, and even the local beach patrol and K-9 units. Plus, the facility hosts bachelor, bachelorette, and birthday parties.
Individual and group rates
“I try to connect with people as soon as they get to OC Paintball because even though everyone comes here to have a good time, I know some people might be nervous about paintball,” explained Jonathan Flatley. “I help to make people feel comfortable to make sure they can have a great time with their family and teammates. After the game, I enjoy talking with our visitors and being part of their fun, while also hearing about all the memories they will take home with them.”
These boats are options as well. Charter the 
The major re-decking of our much loved Ocean City Boardwalk is has been underway all winter. This first phase is scheduled to be completed by mid-April, depending on weather and other factors, and the second phase is scheduled to take place next offseason.
Are you ready for adventure on the shore? Although many people do not make their way down the ocean until the end of May, an exciting local event is hoping to attract visitors looking for Easter excitement with the backdrop of the shore’s magnificent scenery. The 
Designed as a 21 and up scavenger hunt, organizers hide decorated empty kegs across the local region, from Cambridge, Maryland to Laurel, Delaware, and back to Ocean City. Teams of four receive clues at the start of the contest and then find additional hints on their scavenger path. Each team that finds a keg and returns it will receive a prize sponsored by an Eastern Shore business. Prizes typically include gift cards, amusement park tickets, and gear from local bars and restaurants, including Ocean Downs Casino and Pit & Pub.
Team check-in begins at Hoppers starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by a welcome ceremony at noon. Come decked out in costumes and all your Easter gear! Then, participants begin their trek along the shore to find a keg and return it for a prize. In the end, no team will leave empty handed. Teams use their own vehicles for the event and are encouraged to select a designated driver.
Following a successful inaugural contest last year with 100 participants, organizers at the event’s sponsor, Pineapple Man Productions, hope to welcome even more visitors to the hunt in 2022. For Lowe and his co-organizer, talented local artist Megan Burak, the hunt is not just about this singular event, but rather showcasing the excitement the shore offers even in the offseason.