Why Philly Chef Dropped Plans for Ocean Casino Restaurants

In February, Ocean Casino Resort announced a partnership with celebrated chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson to bring two fine-casual concepts to Ocean's Casino Resort's culinary roster.

Pearl & Mary and Samuel's were both set to open this summer. They were to be the first of four new eateries he would eventually open in Ocean Casino.

That is no longer the plan.

Philly Restauranteur Drops Plans for Ocean Casino Restaurants

Micheal Schulson has changed his mind about opening four new restaurants in Ocean Casino Resort.

Schulson says he reconsidered the move to keep the Jersey Shore as a place where he can come and relax with his family, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The restaurants were planned to take over on the lobby level at Ocean, across from The Park, in the spaces of Harper's and the Sky Cafe.

The Restaurants That Schulson Had Planned to Open

Pearl & Mary was intended to be a second iteration of Schulson's oyster bar in his Mid Town Village, Philadelphia restaurant, offering "classic coastal favorites, including an assorted raw bar, mixed crudos, and refreshing cocktails".

Samuel's restaurant was planned to be an all-day diner with an American-Jewish-inspired menu including freshly baked bread and pastries, salads, and signature sandwiches.

Schulson was also planning to open two other concept eateries in Ocean Casino Resort at some time in the future.

Schulson's Existing Restaurants

Michael Schulson is one of Philadelphia's most successful hospitality professionals and is the owner of Double Knot, DK Sushi, Independence Beer Garden, Sampan, Graffiti Bar, Harp & Crown, Giuseppe & Sons, Alpen Rose, Via Locusta, Prunella, Pearl & Mary and Bar Lesieur.

Schulson closed his Atlantic City restaurant Izakaya at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in January after 15 years in operation.