Eight Restaurants Within A Mile Too Much For Berlin? Operators, Mayor Don’t Seem To Think So
BERLIN – While no one disputes that it was a successful summer for Berlin businesses, the onset of autumn has left some wondering what’s to come with the cooler temperatures. It’s a question particularly relevant to those in the town’s burgeoning restaurant scene. The small town of 4,500 people, for years home to just three downtown eateries, now boasts no fewer than eight restaurants and an array of coffee and pastry shops. But how many is too many?
“If Berlin was your typical Eastern Shore small town, I would have concerns about the number of restaurants,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “But we are not typical. In fact, for a long time, many people have worked together to make Berlin an attractive destination community for this region of Maryland.”
It’s that cooperative spirit and mutual respect that Berlin’s restaurant owners say have enabled the town to envelop the array of restaurants that have popped up within the past few years.
Great article! I have stayed in Berlin several times for events. The Atlantic Hotel is a wonderful place to stay, it is centrally located and in walking distance to everything. It's a happening town with much to do and see. I love to brouse in their shops especially the antique toy store. Build and they will come!
Time will tell 11:18, time as in this winter off season as Berlin is heavily dependent on the OC tourists. Berlin is unique in that it is so close to OC which adds 8 million extra people annually to a small demographic area.
I talk to tourists every day, half of them have never heard of Berlin. I think most of the Berlin customers are area residents who don't want the hassle of going into one of the beach towns to eat or shop.
Highly doubtful 12:22 unless Crisfield gets something so different and so unique that it can lure people away from Ocean City. People will drive 10 miles while on vacation to walk a town but not much more.
I talk to O C tourists every day and some of them have heard of Berlin and some have not. I suggest they go there. A town does not need everybody to know about it to be successful. If there is one thing I know after forty years of business it is this: On your last day a person will discover your store for the the first time and say, I come here all the time and I never knew you were here. I have closed three stores not because of bad business but because of extenuating circumstance and it has always been the same. That reality is probably a good thing because a business that is going to stay in business always needs a new customer to replace those who have died or just moved on.
No it IS a lot of tourists going to Berlin. I know several people who work as servers and bartenders and they are all saying since the season is over, they've taken a hit on tips because the customers just aren't around like they are in the summer. They are also getting more time off as less staff is needed now. Nice but not good when no money to spend.
Wow. The free market. Competition. Man. Its a great country. Now, start looking for more fees, increased "application" charges, new taxes, some "surcharges", more desk jockeys to check on "compliance", some new "zoning fees", etc. Politicians just cannot look at ANY economic activity and NOT look for new and improved ways to take their cut. Just watch. "I told you so" has such a satisfying warmth. Keep cheering.
There is no way all those places are going to survive, the best run places will weather the off season, the others will simply fade away. Where is the business going to come from in the winter and how can people make a living working these types of jobs? I have no idea how people make a living with these low end jobs considering how high the cost of living is in the Berlin-OC area.
Americans can,t help being Americans.They here of someone making a few bucks and here they come ,greedy and the supply and demand ruins things for everyone.To many restaurants,to many lawnmowers on trailers,to many banks,You get the picture.
gives the Mayor plenty of places to get a drink!!
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I have stayed in Berlin several times for events. The Atlantic Hotel is a wonderful place to stay, it is centrally located and in walking distance to everything. It's a happening town with much to do and see. I love to brouse in their shops especially the antique toy store. Build and they will come!
Delete"Leaky Pete’s, one of Berlin’s newer restaurants, had a good summer according to owner Terry Feehley."
ReplyDeleteTerry Feehley? Chesapeake High School Class of 1980?
Will end up like the bury too many bar/Restaurants and berliN is Too Small.
ReplyDeleteAlways negativity.
ReplyDeleteThinking is too difficult, so negativity is easier for most.
DeleteIf people would just work together and stop being so feudal,Crisfield could be another Berlin.
ReplyDeleteAgree wholeheartedly.
DeleteTime will tell 11:18, time as in this winter off season as Berlin is heavily dependent on the OC tourists. Berlin is unique in that it is so close to OC which adds 8 million extra people annually to a small demographic area.
ReplyDeleteI talk to tourists every day, half of them have never heard of Berlin. I think most of the Berlin customers are area residents who don't want the hassle of going into one of the beach towns to eat or shop.
DeleteAbsolutely correct.
DeleteHighly doubtful 12:22 unless Crisfield gets something so different and so unique that it can lure people away from Ocean City. People will drive 10 miles while on vacation to walk a town but not much more.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the "problem" of too many bars and restaurants will sort itself out like it does in other towns.
ReplyDeleteI talk to O C tourists every day and some of them have heard of Berlin and some have not. I suggest they go there. A town does not need everybody to know about it to be successful. If there is one thing I know after forty years of business it is this: On your last day a person will discover your store for the the first time and say, I come here all the time and I never knew you were here. I have closed three stores not because of bad business but because of extenuating circumstance and it has always been the same. That reality is probably a good thing because a business that is going to stay in business always needs a new customer to replace those who have died or just moved on.
ReplyDeleteNo it IS a lot of tourists going to Berlin. I know several people who work as servers and bartenders and they are all saying since the season is over, they've taken a hit on tips because the customers just aren't around like they are in the summer. They are also getting more time off as less staff is needed now. Nice but not good when no money to spend.
ReplyDeleteWow. The free market. Competition. Man. Its a great country.
ReplyDeleteNow, start looking for more fees, increased "application" charges, new taxes, some "surcharges", more desk jockeys to check on "compliance", some new "zoning fees", etc.
Politicians just cannot look at ANY economic activity and NOT look for new and improved ways to take their cut.
Just watch.
"I told you so" has such a satisfying warmth.
Keep cheering.
There used to be a place called kings pub I believe. Had great food and drinks. Does anyone know if its still there?
ReplyDeleteKing's Pub has been gone for awhile.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way all those places are going to survive, the best run places will weather the off season, the others will simply fade away. Where is the business going to come from in the winter and how can people make a living working these types of jobs? I have no idea how people make a living with these low end jobs considering how high the cost of living is in the Berlin-OC area.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAmericans can,t help being Americans.They here of someone making a few bucks and here they come ,greedy and the supply and demand ruins things for everyone.To many restaurants,to many lawnmowers on trailers,to many banks,You get the picture.