By Greg Ellison

(July 29, 2021) Although annual ending numbers were slightly below financial targets, food and beverage contractor the Matt Ortt Companies got another year tacked onto its contract by the Ocean Pines Board of Directors last week.

The Ocean Pines Association signed Matt Ortt Companies to an initial two-year contract in 2018 to operate the Yacht Club and Beach Club, and that was extended for three additional years in Aug. 2019, with management of the Clubhouse Bar and Grille also added.

General Manager John Viola presented a request from Ortt Companies officials to consider approving an automatic fourth-year extension, which is contingent on combined profit from three food operations of $130,000.

“They came in at $119,000,” he said. “They are asking us to consider approval for that fourth-year trigger based upon the numbers and what happened last year.”

Profit margin splits included the Yacht Club at $14,178, Clubhouse Bar and Grille at $12,139 and the Beach Club at $92,687.

Although the company’s final figures closed a few percentage points shy of the automatic renewal level, Viola said Ortt management went outside traditional bounds to accommodate the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

“They provided a lot of company service during covid,” he said. “They provided low-priced family meals and delivery.”

Additionally, Viola said food options were maintained year ‘round and Ortt donated to police, fire and EMS responders and nurse stations at Atlantic General Hospital.

“They kept the entire team engaged … and on the payroll,” he said.

Contract terms also provide a fifth-year trigger contingent on reaching a $160,000 profit margin during the current operating cycle.

Viola said Matt Ortt Companies CEO Ralph DeAngelus has offered to offset the past minor variance moving forward.

“I spoke to Ralph today and they’re willing to increase that $160,000 to $175,000 the second year to offset for this $10,000,” he said.

Viola said based on current data, the heightened financial mark is attainable.

“They’re trending very positive with banquets and everything else,” he said. “I am telling you next year they will knock it out of the park.”

DeAngelus was enthused to learn the contract extension was granted.

In addition to Viola and board members, numerous community members expressed gratitude for food operations remaining intact throughout the pandemic, DeAngelus said.

“People were, by-and-large, just very gracious and appreciative,” he said.

DeAngelus also expressed confidence the heightened profit margins would be achieved.

“I truly believe we’re going to blow it out the water,” he said. “We’re on a pace to set some record numbers for all of Ocean Pines food and beverage locations.”