After much anticipation and excitement surrounding the potential for multiple new dining establishments at Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort, celebrity chef Michael Schulson has decided to scrap his plan to open as many as four restaurants within the casino.
Schulson, known for his successful concepts like Double Knot and Harp & Crown in Philadelphia, had originally announced his intention to bring his culinary expertise to the Jersey Shore in partnership with Ocean Casino Resort last year. The proposed restaurant lineup included a steakhouse, a Japanese izakaya, a Mexican cantina, and a modern American eatery, all under Schulson’s direction.
However, citing unforeseen challenges and logistical hurdles, Schulson has made the difficult decision to pull out of the project entirely. In a statement released to The Business Journals, Schulson explained that while he was excited about the prospect of expanding his brand to Atlantic City, he ultimately determined that the timing was not right for such an ambitious undertaking.
“I have the utmost respect for the team at Ocean Casino Resort and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them on this exciting venture,” Schulson said. “Unfortunately, the current climate in the hospitality industry has presented us with several challenges that make it impractical to move forward with our original plans at this time.”
The news comes as a disappointment to many who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of Schulson’s acclaimed culinary creations in Atlantic City. Ocean Casino Resort, which has undergone a series of renovations and rebranding efforts in recent years, was counting on Schulson’s star power to help elevate its dining options and draw in more visitors to the property.
Despite the setback, Ocean Casino Resort remains committed to enhancing its food and beverage offerings and continues to explore new partnerships and collaborations with other renowned chefs and restaurateurs. In the meantime, fans of Michael Schulson’s cuisine can still enjoy his signature dishes at his existing restaurants in Philadelphia and beyond.
As for Schulson himself, he remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to finding new opportunities to expand his brand and showcase his culinary talents in other markets. While Atlantic City may not be in the cards for now, there’s no doubt that Schulson’s star will continue to rise in the world of fine dining.
