They took possession after the war, but didnt own it, and were upset we had come to reclaim ownership. And I had a better understanding of the man he was., Larry Hirsch and his family journeyed to Poland in 2008. Heated swimming pool. There was a problem saving your notification. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, And there are business and civic leaders who want to attract new visitors while preserving the past. Food news: phillygrub@gmail.com. This will include a fully upgraded lobby and hotel rooms. The ocean-side dining destination and sprawling ocean-side roof deck, located directly next to The Montreal Beach Resort, is proud to introduce new ownership and a new top chef in the kitchen. Icona is in the midst of seeking approvals for the new project and has gotten positive feedback from city business owners, he said. No worrieswe are just visiting., And they visited Auschwitz, the death camp, where Harrythrough wit, work and luckhad survived. The starting flavors are now available at five locations, delivery apps and festivals/fairs. Theirs is a story of struggle, survival and success. Although you will still find that atmosphere the entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark there are signs of change. We are waiting to serve you in any way to make your vacation a wonderful success. Historic preservation has given us some of the best lodging, he said. Owners Kenneth Hutchings and Patrick Pawliczek, along with Director of Operations Mike Anderson, announce that Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse will close its current location this weekend in time to open a brand-new expanded, and larger location this fall. Television. The brothers, miraculously still traveling together, again defeated death and returned to Kucow, their village, to find no trace of their family. As part of his role, Rhee will manage Stir, the museums full-service restaurant, as well as several caf spaces and catering for private events. Attractions such as these are part of what separates Cape May from other Shore towns that tend to close up in the offseason, hotel owners say. When you have owners that want to make enhancements, it ensures long-term success for the overall community.. A Rittenhouse sports viewing hotspot is on the move! The Avalon-based Icona Resorts plans to build what its founder says would be Cape May's first new hotel in more than 50 years. You can cancel at any time. To do that, we opened up the restaurant area, maximizing spectacular water views with a new bar offering easy access to the terrace and outdoor dining area. Immediate changes to The Montreal Beach Resort will be modest while retaining the identity of the beloved property. The White Dog Cafe and WMMR's Preston and Steve will host the Fifth Annual Dining Out for the Dogs Monday, August 22, 2022, starting at 5 pm to raise funds for Alpha Bravo Canine, Philadelphia's first and only 501(c)3 organization that donates service dogs to US veterans suffering from debilitating medical and psychological problems as a result of their active combat duty. Hersik was forced into a crowded truck, worried for his life. All of the new decorating features were coordinated by Susan Davidson in earthy sand and sea colors, fabrics highlighted with nautical lighting, and wood and metal accents for a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere. And from the sea around us, freshly caught fish, crabs and clams. He still feels a deep connection to the place. Her sons were in BaltimoreJoe in boarding school, Larry just graduated in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland. We do a disservice to our community if we dont acknowledge that change happens.. At the time, winds of change were shaking Cape May from its dotage and decline as the first and most popular summer resort in Victorian times. One of the longest family-owned and operated businesses in Cape May, the Montreal Beach Resort and Harrys Ocean Bar and Grille have finally changed hands after 56 years in business. As with any project, he said, we would be taking a hard look at how it would mix with the streetscapes.. We aim to create memorable experiences and relationships that will last a lifetime. Memorial Day weekend, 1966: a new contemporary kid on Beach Avenue threw open the doors for beach lovers in what was still sleepy old Cape May. Since its launch in 2017, Five Iron Golf has re-introduced urban golf culture by combining golf, technology, and entertainment to make golf enjoyable and accessible for all. They were seeking something casual, fun, open and beachy. Constellation Culinary Group has appointed Chef Hoon Rhee, who will take the lead as Executive Chef of the food and beverage operations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Radio preacher Carl McIntire bought Congress Hall in 1967, and to make a show of alcohol abstinence for his flock he moved the hotels bar onto the lawn and put the liquor license up for sale. Wildwood, Passaic Officer Abandons Seriously Injured Female Passenger In Pre-Dawn DWI Crash: Prosecutor, 'Community Superstar": Kind, Courageous Local Deputy Police Chi, Mega Millions Tickets Good For $1M, $2M Sold In PA, NJ City Is America's Most Expensive Place For Renters, Website , Firefighters Rescue Swimmer In Distress (DEVELOPING), Man Who Lives Near NJ Grade School Charged With Collecting, Sha, Boy, 5, Drowns In Swimming Pool In South Jersey: Report. According to Hirsch, Harry and Sophie saw an opportunity in hospitality. Realizing he was a potential target, Hersik fled to his sisters home in the city of Lodz where he was less obviously Jewish. Text by Karen Fox Photographs by Michelle Giorla /. The Nazis blew up crematoriums, shot prisoners and released thousands on a death march for hundreds of miles in wintry weather. We are humbled and honored to the Hirsch family for putting their trust in Madison Resorts, he said. Theres now a large window from the restaurant to the liquor store, the Wine Cellar, and tasting areas for wines and craft beers. On the second level is a rooftop deck bar and lounge with a canopy featuring one of the best panoramic ocean views in Cape May and an area for live music. By then the village of Kucow was no longer intact. Harry's will also be receiving a boost to its entertainment schedule throughout the summer with more live music and interactive entertainment. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Middle Twp, He described their family stories as both unbelievable and awe-inspiring. He almost fainted. Theyre used to high-end luxury. The Montreal Beach Resort in Cape May recently sold for an undisclosed purchase price. The Montreal Beach Resort will be keeping the same name for the immediate future as well as much of the long time staff. That is what they expect and want, and there are less than a handful of full-service hotels in Cape May.. The roof deck is especially pleasant as the summer sun fades into sunsets and the town lights up. And to be sure, our Cape May story doesnt end here. The family business also has commercial real estate investments on the Washington Street Mall, the beachfront of Cape May and the Ocean City Boardwalk, he said. There were people living in it. That Memorial Day 50 years ago culminated a dream come true for owners Harry and Sophie Hirsch, immigrant chicken farmers, poultry and produce suppliers from Corbin City, 30 miles north of Cape May. They married in May of 1947, but it was not until 1951 that they were able to gather the finances and clearances to sail to Philadelphia and where they became Harry and Sophie Hirsch. The city's award-winning German restaurant will take over the entire 700 block of South Street for a full day of family fun that includes the region's largest Maypole, authentic German dancing, live music, flower crowns, face painting, games, and much more. We'd love to hear eyewitness We are grateful to the generations of guests who called the Montreal their summer home. The family house was still there, says Joe. Harry agreed, but did not tell Sophie until settlement day. Will Canadians return to the beach this year? It was then that they decided to follow the footsteps of their uncle, who before the war had made a new life in America. From guest services to housekeeping, to maintenance and administration, to everyone at Harrys, The Wine Cellar and the Beach Club, all became members of our extended family, the statement reads. Sids opened in 1963 and became a popular watering hole, with the Hirsches as part owners for a decade; it continued operating successfully for years after the Hirsches involvement ended. December is just about as busy as June or September.. Harrys will also be receiving a boost to its entertainment schedule throughout the summer with more live music and interactive entertainment. Lower Twp, They saw the potential in Cape May, which in 1966 was a quiet beach town while Wildwood drew the big summer crowds. It was a major financial commitment. It seemed, Larry recalls, that the resilient, resourceful Sophie made everything work. Facing the OceanEnjoy Your Stay in Cool Cape May. We were built by operators and marketers with decades of experience working and owning properties in the hospitality industry. The new owner is Madison Resorts, a locally owned hospitality management company headed by property operations veteran Dan Alicea, who has previously worked in the local market, as well as led the revitalization of two historic resorts on the east coast. Then in 1974, at the age of 48, she was stricken with cancer. Madison Resorts is more than a hotel management company. Avalon-based Icona Resorts has proposed investing about $100 million, according to news reports, in what its founder says would be Cape Mays first new hotel in more than 50 years. He was like a faucet that could not be turned off, says Larry. Hersik was 14 in 1939 when Adolf Hitlers German Army stormed Poland, claiming victory in a month and starting a campaign of rounding up Jewish people, seizing their property and herding them in ghettos awaiting trips to concentration camps and extermination. His grandfather survived the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi death camp in occupied Poland that was a major center of the genocide of Jews and others during World War II. Chef Jose Garces welcomes Chef Dane DeMarco (they/them) as the next Chef in Residency at Volvr on Kimmel Cultural Campus. CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE After two years of closed borders, Cape May County wants its French-speaking Canadian visitors back this summer. Harry was born in 1923, with the name Hersik Heiskowier, in the tiny remote village of Kucow, Poland, 150 miles south of the capital city Warsaw. But they are grateful for the recorded history of their beloved patriarch, and to have those stories also preserved between covers of their recently published book, A Cape May Story by Diane Stopyra. Im definitely noticing younger people coming and more minorities coming, Lokals Ludeman said. It is committed to providing exceptional guest service and making sure the community comes first in our hearts," Alicia said in a press release. There are so many beautiful structures that are architectural gems, Bashaw said. Half a century later, Memorial Day 2016, the success of the Montreal is legendary. Alicea paid $23 million, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. All participants will be entered to win a Wedding Gift Basket valued at $1,000. Son Larry says they had labored day and night overseeing construction of their new motel, named the Montreal with high hopes of enticing ocean-going Canadians south to the narrow fine white sand beaches of Cape May. Cape May, He was 88 years old. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. accounts, the history behind an article. 2021 Cape Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. With their 8th Annual Crabfries for Heroes event, Chickie's & Pete's is once again honoring National French Fry Day and raising money for the Fraternal Order of Police Survivors Fund. Though wary, she did not stop the purchase. honeygrow, the Philadelphia born-and-bred fast casual restaurant thats widely known for fresh stir-frys, salads, and honeybars will celebrate its 10th Birthday with an epic day-long event on Tuesday, June 14. Cape May bills itself as the nations oldest seashore resort, and its hotels have long attracted visitors looking for Victorian charm rather than the latest amenities. Their Montreal Motel three stories, 27 rooms, pull-in parking and a pool across from the ocean was similar to the design of the Wildwood motels, later to be described as doo-wop. Today, there are 69 rooms at the Montreal Beach Resort, a restaurant, a pool and the citys only beachfront liquor store, The Wine Cellar. But Harry didnt fuss, wore a t-shirt bearing his name and face, and enjoyed a big party in his honor in 2010 when the restaurant and hotel reopened after extensive renovations. Hotel owners said theyve seen more diverse visitors since the pandemic put a crimp in air travel. I think my grandfather handled thatI can handle this, no problem.. What most locals did not know is that soon after the 62 Noreaster, Harry Hirschs friend Sid Hess approached him with a proposition. or anything.Be Nice. Daily Maid Service. They used all that sadness and difficulty to work hard and to build a life for their family.. Mayor Zack Mullock says he shares the concerns of those who have worked to preserve Cape Mays character. The pandemic has helped fuel the shift from B&Bs to other uses, he said. The team at Madison Resorts will be bringing in some fresh faces to add a new level of operations, marketing, and hospitality to the property. Thats very unique for the Jersey Shore, said Dan Alicea, whose newly formed Madison Resorts bought the Montreal Beach Resort, 1025 Beach Ave., when that hotels longtime owners retired earlier this year. Hirsch described it as his grandfathers marketing idea. Many died along the way, while others broke into smaller groups, still under the surveillance of German soldiers, who at times resorted to firing squads, killing innocents at random. Madison Resorts is also a family company, Alicea said, adding that when they were in negotiations with the Hirsch family, they seemed to be as much interviewing him on his intentions as he was looking at the property. For decades, at least for a couple of weeks a year, Cape May County has had a bit of a Frenc. They existed in the ghetto, laboring under Nazi control, until SS officers arrived one day and loaded the brothers into a box car stuffed with humanity. Lokal Artisan Foods has teamed up with Cloud Cups to launch a line of French Toast Bites Gelato - now on the market in time for summer and ice cream month. Returning for the first time in three years, the spectacular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square celebrates light and culture with magnificent steel-framed, and silk-wrapped giant lighted sculptures. The restaurant will replace The Grille at Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia and is expected to open in October at the start of the 2022-23 NHL and NBA seasons. Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. The place will retain its identity, he said. Change happens, no matter what, so we do our best to manage it in a positive way, Bashaw said. Threatened by demolition, beloved Jersey Shore Victorian gets a second chance in Cape May, the appropriateness of new development and modifications, California residents do not sell my data request. People love sitting outside, but to have a spot under cover if the weather takes a turn. If all goes well, our hope would be to break ground sometime in the fall, said Eustace Mita, founder, chairman, and chief executive. Dan Alicea, the primary owner of Madison Resorts, said Friday that plans are to keep the name and the existing staff. It also became extremely difficult to get enough staff to keep a B&B operational, whereas whole-house rentals can be run with minimal help, he said. Its very relaxed and relaxing.. For more details about The Montreal, click here: www.montrealbeachresort.com. Nineteen Eleven BYOB, the newish restaurant from chefs Jon Raffa and Michael Gingras, located at 1911 East Passyunk Avenue, has debuted a new summer menu, added Sunday brunch, and collaborated with Chef Janine Bruno on a new pasta with a charitable initiative and a nod to a Philadelphia legend. each comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. Change is coming as bed-and-breakfasts continue to disappear, and longtime beachfront hotel owners are retiring and selling out. Some new faces will be joining the team to continue providing optimal service. Email phillygrub@gmail.com for Philly area news; phillygrubtrips@gmail.com for travel tips and opportunities. He never expanded on stories about his wartime experiences, says Larry Hirsch. The Dragon is back! Plans also are in the works to renovate hotel rooms and the Cape May resort's lobby, according to its new owner, Madison Resorts. Over 30 of the regions most beloved restaurants and Montco Makers (craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries) will participate in the 2022 event, with businesses offering exclusive discount promotions throughout the month to visiting patrons. My wife was born and raised in Cape May County. That evening he had a major and frightening nightmare. Just 28 B&Bs are operating in Cape May, down from more than 70 at the height of the boom, said Doreen Talley, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. While Montreal Beach Resort and Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille may change hands, you can still expect the same warm Atlantic Ocean-view hospitality that has been offered for the past 56 years. Cape Island was a fishing and whaling center in the 17th century, and in the 1800s and early 1900s, it began to attract visitors, including presidents and prominent Philadelphians. The stereotype is there, but were moving past it, Bashaw said. The Hirsch family continues to operate its other businesses in town, including The Boarding House, a pet-friendly, surf-themed hotel on Lafayette Street. Having a community breakfast with a lot of guests, sharing the porches, just seemed like a dangerous thing to do, he said. Harry would be the backer, Sid would run the business. Hersik, by now 21, and his brother Josef both evaded death during eight months of imprisonment at Auschwitz. This city is part of us, and we are part of this city, the statement reads. Again, timing was their friend, says son Larry. The Hirsch family has owned the property for 55 years, since Harry and Sophie Hirsch went from chicken farmers in Vineland and Corbin City to the hospitality industry in Cape May. It worked, Hirsch said. Alicea has previously worked in the local market, as well as led the revitalization of two historic resorts on the East Coast. The Hirsch family, now four generations strong and proud of continued ownership, launched a year-long celebration of the Montreal Beach Resorts 50th anniversary, sharing its good fortune with newcomers and the many families who have become perennial vacationers. In a notice to visitors and Cape May residents, Larry, Joe and Jonathan said they felt fortunate to have operated for more than five decades. We watched your families grow, as you watched ours. The theater portion of the building was demolished in 2011, and the stores along Beach Avenue operate under a structure shored up with metal poles. Please subscribe to keep reading. Icona also has big plans for Cape May. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Marilyn Johnson is a Philadelphia area-based food and travel writer focusing on food & drink in the Mid-Atlantic region. Couples looking to tie the knot are invited to visit Old City bridal and suit shops, venues, restaurants, and wedding services. Work is underway on upgrades to the rooms and the lobby, and he also plans upgrades to Harrys, including new menu items and more live music. The new owner is Madison Resorts, a locally owned hospitality management company headed by property operations veteran Dan Alicea, who has previously worked in the local market, as well as led the revitalization of two historic resorts on the east coast. Eustace Mita, poses for a photo in front of a former theater along Beach Ave. in Cape May, N.J. Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille will add new food and beverages to its existing menu and offer room service under new ownership. He lives in Egg Harbor Township. The key thing is ensuring business owners continually reinvest into their product, Alicea said. Our team is made up of individuals with their own entrepreneurial drive and creative mindset. We are humbled and honored to the Hirsch family for putting their trust in Madison Resorts, we are committed to delivering exceptional guest service and ensuring we hold the community first in our heart." Cape May can continue to advance itself and still keep its charm and character, Madison Resorts Alicea said. An emotional, important part of the golden year is honoring founders Harry and Sophie Hirsch. Chefs Lee Styer and Kevin Watters have collaborated on an ever-evolving selection of elevated apps, entres, and desserts to choose from as a prix fixe dining experience including new and returning favorite items and an optional wine pairing curated by General Manager Adam Judeh. For many, Cape May calls to mind cluttered parlors with lace doilies and Victorian-era kitsch. Weve been coming to Cape May in summer and in winter, and we knew it could have a year-round draw.. That was very difficult for my father, says Joe, to retrace steps, to see the big picture of what happened there when he was very confined to specific spaces during the war. Changes will include fully upgraded hotel rooms and the lobby. This will include fully upgraded hotel rooms and lobby. He described operating a piece of Cape May history as a dream come true for himself and his family. She is currently building on this accomplishment and planning her next two endeavors at the Jersey Shore. The award winning hotel features 69 rooms, a two story bar and restaurant with outdoor seating and a large heated pool. He met Sofia Gross in 1947 in a line at a displaced persons camp. The property sold to Madison Resorts LLC, a new company apparently named for the cross street of the Montreal. Culinary experiences for Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille will be getting a lift as they plan new updates to the menu and the addition of room service for hotel guests. Our father had never dwelled on the past. That was until 2009, when Larrys son Evan, a television news producer, asked his grandfather to participate in a CBS 3, Philadelphia, documentary featuring Holocaust survivors. The team at Madison Resorts will be bringing in some fresh faces to add a new level of operations, marketing, and hospitality to the property. Photos/Video: Get a First Look at LEGALLY BLONDE at the Muny Starring Kyla Stone, Patti Murin & More! They purchased a vacant property at Madison and Beach avenues. New life plans for Hersik inspired hope, romance and happiness. As plans emerged for the 50th anniversary this year, the bar and restaurant became an even more integral part of the Montreal. Its sky blue umbrellas and sparkling pool stood out stark modern against a town of mostly much older, fussier structures from the horse-drawn carriage eras of one and two centuries ago. A fourth floor was under construction at the Montreal, bringing the total number of rooms to 73. Their youth and stamina were a saving grace. THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY Celebrates National Cheesecake Day With New Flavor, Its Ros Season-Two Wonderful Selections for Summertime, Marina P. Kennedy's writing career led her from freelancing opportunities in New Jersey and New York to writing forBroadwayworld.comwhere she covers entertainment, the culinary scene, (read more about this author), National Tequila Day on 7/24-Get Ready to Celebrate, Grand Carnivale: The Lehigh Valleys International Festival of 2022 at Dorney Park, Mayor Eric Adams and NYC & Company Kick Off 30th Anniversary of NYC RESTAURANT WEEK, "My wife was born and raised in Cape May County, now operating a piece of its history is a childhood dream coming true for both of us. The Dutch, the popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner eatery focused on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics, is poised to launch an all-new, multi-course dinner menu titled The Dutch After Dark on Wednesday, July 20.
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