Located at the Alamo Motel complex in West Ocean City, Caribbean Joe’s Bar and Grille features an assortment of drinks, fresh food and an atmosphere that brings the Caribbean experience to locals and visitors alike.
Last fall, Joe Albero partnered with property owner Mark Odachowski to open a new restaurant on the site.
After hearing Odachowski’s vision for the complex, Albero said he quickly got to work renovating the existing restaurant space.
“Seventy-four commercial dumpsters were brought in and we removed 100%, every single thing on this complex,” he said.
Albero said it took several months to renovate the restaurant and transform the building into a sprawling oasis for patrons to enjoy. Today, Caribbean Joe’s features renovated dining areas, kitchen and bathrooms, a $30,000 sound system and seven flat-screen TVs, as well as a public pool and pool bar.
“Several restaurateurs told Mark it couldn’t be done, told me it couldn’t be done, and I knew better,” he said. “Everything we’ve done here has been done to a T … We’re proud of it.”
Despite opening its doors in January, Albero said business at Caribbean Joe’s has been good.
“We’re in the black,” he said. “For a business that’s been open for a few months, that’s crazy. The key here was to make this place extremely comfortable for women but not uncomfortable for men. That’s what I did with my other businesses.”
Albero said he is no stranger to the industry. For years, he operated upscale billiard rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar in Crofton.
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6 comments:
Don't throw your shoulder out patting yourself on the back haha.
Glad it's working for you.
Making WOC Great Again! Thanks Joe & Mark!
We can't thank the Dispatch enough for this story/exposure. Ladies, please take the opportunity to come through our front door and look around. We're confident you'll be amazed with the transformation and ultimately the service. Our pool is open to the public and the water is tested every 2 hours to assure the water quality is 100% perfect at all times. We have Red Cross Certified Lifeguards to assure everyone's safety. The food is incredible. All of our beer is on ice, as cold as cold gets. Saturday from 4 to 8 PM we have live music on the pool deck with the Trailer Park Romeo's, no cover charge. The only thing I'd add to this article is that our goal was to create a very comfortable place for LOCALS. Don't be surprised if you see your neighbors patronizing us because this place is a hidden gem.
Maybe we can stop in this weekend since it will be how as hells front porch and see what the food is all about... I have been wanting to get in there since you mentioned you were opening in a few months a while back...
Great article Joe! Congratulations - hope to visit soon!
Great article and great that you and Mark "repurposed" instead of tearing down what is a landmark in Wor Co. When the weather cools we will be in for dinner and I am certain will be regulars.
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