Ocean City’s iconic Chatterbox restaurant, along with three apartments, was reportedly sold to Bill Bonforte, part of an investment group that settled on the purchase of the business and the building late last week, as reported first by the Press of Atlantic City.
Burt Wilkins, with Goldcoast Sotheby’s Realty, was quoted as saying the building is under an agreement of sale, with closing expected this week.
In February, the restaurant and its three upscale apartments were listed on the market for $2.9 million; however, the final sale price was not disclosed.
A fixture on 9th Street in Ocean City since 1937, and designed by renowned architect Vivian Smith, the centrally located Chatterbox restaurant spans over 4,000 square feet with 110 indoor dining room seats and an additional 70 seats of outdoor dining in the summer season.
The sale comes complete with a well-designed commercial kitchen and many extras.
According to published reports, Bonforte plans to upgrade the menu, but initially plans to increase staff to try to be open for Memorial Day weekend, if only on a limited lunch menu.
