For the third year, Ocean Pines establishments will welcome residents and visitors with delicious deals during restaurant week, which kicks off on Friday, March 8, and extends through Saturday, March 16.
A line wraps around Playa Bowls in Ocean Pines during the grand opening in 2023.
File photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
For the third year, Ocean Pines establishments will welcome residents with delicious deals during restaurant week, which kicks off on Friday, March 8, and extends through Saturday, March 16.
The Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines and ERA Martin Associates/Shamrock Division are hosting the event, which they hope fosters neighborhood spirit and stimulates business.
“We want the week to be community-centric,” Chamber President Kerrie Bunting said.
Participating restaurants include Serpone’s Pizzeria, Don’s Seafood & Chophouse, Paradise Grill, Oasis Nutrition, Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Golf Clubhouse, Poseidon’s Pub, Hunan Garden, Plaza Tapatia, Taylor’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Southgate Grill, and Playa Bowls.
The event planners have organized a contest to spur participation. Diners who visit three or more contributing locations and get their restaurant week card stamped can be entered into a raffle to win $300 in gift cards to Ocean Pines eateries.
The idea was conceived to drive traffic to local businesses during winter and give them an extra boost before summer. “This is a blah time of year, so this will hopefully give restaurants a little more business,” Bunting said. “It behooves the restaurants to promote that they are participating.”
Some places, like Playa Bowls, which opened in July 2023, are partaking for the first time this year. The new establishment is excited to join in on the tradition.
Operations manager Frank Cortazzo said the summer-themed spot plans to offer $10 bowls during the week. “We’re excited to get more involved in the community,” he said.
The establishment, located by Walmart on Samuel Bowen Boulevard, has participated in outreach programs since its conception last year. Playa Bowls offers to “Dine and Donate,” in which they team up with a fundraising organization, post their flyer, and members, who are strongly encouraged to mention the location on their social media, have from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the designated dates to stop by. The eatery gives 10% of its total sales to the group’s efforts. For Cortazzo, Ocean Pines Restaurant Week is a similar and exciting way to stay involved.
Oasis Nutrition also has planned specials during the week. Health coach and owner Diana Sabia informed that starting Friday, March 8, and going through Saturday, March 16, they will offer a happy hour from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Customers will get a dollar off every shake and two dollars off shake and jump juice combos.
The event provides a variety of cuisines to try. For lunch and dinner options, the Nicholas Lane-located Paradise Grill and Pizzeria is offering a medium pizza with three toppings for $15.99, a large pizza with 20 fresh wings for $39.99, and a large pizza with three toppings for $18.99.
Other participating venues include Crabs to Go, Windmill Creek Vineyard, and Paul and Vinny’s Pizzeria.
Bunting said the week is always well received, and almost every restaurant has found that it helps foster extra business during a slow season. She assures that the event is a fantastic way for patrons and eateries alike to show community support.
Stamp cards can be picked up at any participating location and dropped off at the ERA Martin Office, along Racetrack Road, no later than 11 a.m. on Monday, March 18. The drawing is scheduled for the same day at noon and can be streamed live on the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.