Ram’s Head Inn Was Purchased By Atlantic City Rescue Mission

When the announcement came in late April that the shuttered Ram's Head Inn had been purchased just four days before its scheduled demolition, the identity of the buyer was not disclosed.

The Press of Atlantic City reports that Galloway Township tax records show the buyer was the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

The Press says Rescue Mission CEO Daniel Brown confirmed the sale to them Tuesday and that the mission also bought lots adjoining the famed eatery and plans to use the facility for their culinary program and eventually reopen the restaurant.

The Atlantic City Rescue Mission is also considering adding a hotel to the property, according to the Press report.

The colonial-style building sits on about four acres at 9 W. White Horse Pike. Once an impressive structure, the Ram's Head Inn is now in an obvious state of disrepair.

It was shut down in 2019 due to "serious and extensive issues" with its fire sprinkler system, its former owners said on Facebook at the time of the closure.

Built in the 1930s, the Ram's Head Inn began as a roadhouse with food and live music. It later became a Dutch-themed restaurant in the 1970s under the ownership of Fred and Ethel Noyes, who founded the Historic Smithville village along Route 9 in Galloway in the 1950s.

The Atlantic City Rescue Mission say they have no plans to move from their present facility in Atlantic City. The Press of Atlantic City quotes Galloway Mayor Anthony Coppola as saying that zoning of the Galloway Township property wouldn't allow it anyway.

The Press of Atlantic City says the annual tax bill for the Ram's Head Inn amounts to $48,164. Records show the Rescue Mission was billed and paid $12,041 in its quarterly tax bill due May 1.