From a way station to a destination.
That’s the vision Jack Wright has with his new project on the Delaware Bay, turning a “glass and metal municipal behemoth” into something stylish and fun with a vibe that will attract people from Delaware to Cape May County and beyond.
Exit Zero Hospitality, where Wright is the owner and creative director, is in the process of turning the Cape May Ferry Terminal — where approximately one million people a year pass through to and from Delaware — into three restaurants and an entertainment venue.
The $2 million attraction will be called Ferry Park and will include three different dining concepts — The Lookout, opening at the end of March, Boat Drinks and Exit Zero Ferry Station, which will be completed by May. Already open is Cafe’ 64, a grab and go cafe with retail space.
Opening in spring of 2023, in the adjacent park, will be an area for relaxation, games and a shopping village.
During a tour of the construction, Wright likened the marriage between the Delaware River and Bay Authority and his “scruffy little upstart” to David and Goliath.
“It’s actually working really well and it’s our job to make this place warm and fun.”
Six colorful private booths will fill the lobby for passengers to relax in where they can bring their own food and drink and not have to spend any money.
“We want them to have an improved environment while they’re waiting for the ferry,” Wright said.
Separating the lobby from the Ferry Station restaurant will be glass doors where a double-sided gas fireplace, banquette seating, booths and picnic tables, with the tops covered with nautical letters, will lead to the bar. Windows line the walls along the docks to allow plenty of views of the ferries coming and going throughout the day.
The food menu will be a mix of Americana with the Asian influence being more Chinese.
“We’re a restaurant that celebrates diversity,” said Wright, pointing out that the menu at the Filling Station in West Cape May is a mix of Americana, Indian and Thai.
Even though the installation of the park won’t happen until next year there will still be events happening this summer that include a concert series and Monday night movies. Ferry Park will also be the official home of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
For the kids there will be a playground and mini-golf.
|
