By MADDY VITALE
Deauville Inn owner Tim Fox had something special in mind when he renovated the historic landmark restaurant that overlooks Corson’s Inlet in Strathmere between Ocean City and Sea Isle City.
Fast forward a couple of years after the purchase and improvements, and Fox definitely created a recipe for success, judging by the bustling eatery with executive chef TJ Ricciardi and his staff whipping up culinary delights for rooms filled with pleased patrons.
With the idea of preserving the old but giving it modern updates to provide an exceptional dining experience for customers, Fox is doing it again. This time it will be with Yesterday’s, a restaurant at 316 Roosevelt Boulevard in Marmora.
Fox officially purchased the restaurant Tuesday, renaming it Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern, said Paul Shust, marketing director for the Deauville Inn.
“Today is the first day, so it has been exciting for us,” Shust said. “We have been working on it for a little while. Everyone is still working there. We are lucky to have the same Yesterday’s family there. It has been a seamless transition.”
As for the menu, Deauville Inn executive chef TJ Ricciardi will be working on the food options with Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern staff.
And like the plans for the Deauville, Fox wants to again preserve a piece of history in a well-known restaurant. The restaurant will remain open during light renovations that are planned.
“We just found another opportunity that we thought aligns with the way we handle our approach to the business — restoring an institution, bringing it back and making it even better,” Shust said. “It is near the water. It is a beautiful property.”
While the Deauville in was built in 1881 and certainly was historic, “We would consider Yesterday’s iconic and we want to keep the character,” Shust added.
He noted that Fox and his team want to focus some of their energy into developing some of the history of Yesterday’s.
The Deauville evolved through many stages during its colorful history. The building dates to 1881 and originally operated as the Whelen Hotel before becoming the Deauville Inn.
Yesterday’s was built in 1976. And while its years in existence certainly don’t compare to that of the Deauville Inn, it has a past worth highlighting as well, Shust said.
“It has an interesting past,” he pointed out. “We want to expand upon it.”
Yesterday’s is “a long-standing favorite destination to many in Marmora and the surrounding communities,” Shust said in a statement about the sale.
After 46 years of ownership, Yesterday’s owner Jeff McIntyre and his family sold the property to Fox. Shust declined to disclose the sale price at this time.
There will be improvements to the property inside and out, but overall, they will be light renovations.
“You can expect updates to the bar, dining area as well as in the adjoining liquor store. Yesterday’s, like many businesses in the area, has a rich history dating back to the founding of the area,” Shust said. “History is essential to Dr. Fox, and this will be evident in the redesign of the venue.”
The Yesterday’s sign that has become an important part of the exterior of the restaurant will be restored, Shust said.
“That recognizable sign you know and love will be restored, and a new identity will be given to the adjoining liquor store,” he pointed out. “The renovations will be complete by summer.”
In a portion of the post announcing the purchase on the Deauville Inn’s Facebook page, the restaurant said there will be exciting things in the future at Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern.
“The Leadership at the Deauville Inn is excited to announce that a much-loved local institution has joined our family, Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern! We are honored to be able to continue this venue’s traditions as well as create new ones. As with the Deauville, local history is important to us, and it is with this spirit that we will begin work on refreshing the property,” according to a press release.
For more information and to see the progress of the renovation of Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern, visit the Deauville Inn Facebook page.
