European Style Bistro Opens In Ocean Grove Hotel
By ED SALVAS
The newest dining establishment along Ocean Grove’s busy Main Avenue is a European style bistro called Bia, which is food in Gaelic, according to the Irish couple that has taken the reins of the restaurant located in the Majestic Hotel.
Bia opened on May 13 following a complete makeover directed by owners Valerie Hegarty and Sean Holmes who bought the Majestic in 2005 and decided to change the focus of the restaurant which had been run separately from the hotel. Both Hegarty and Holmes bring extensive experience in the hospitality industry to their new venture, and their young company, H2 Hospitality, recently expanded with the purchase of the Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast in trendy New Hope, Pa., just across the Delaware River from Lambertville.
Valerie Hegarty and Sean Holmes have just opened Bia restaurant in the Majestic Hotel in Ocean Grove.
The new dcor at Bia, which features comfortable earth tones and gleaming hardwood floors, was chosen with the help of Kathie Rosamilia, whose business, Design Style Yours, is located in Allenhurst. The dining room seats 60 with accommodations for another 24 diners on the heated enclosed porch. A two-year expansion of the Majestic Hotel is nearing completion and will expand the 1870 era hotel to 15 rooms, all with private baths and kitchenettes. The top floor is being converted into a Penthouse that will be suitable for corporate meetings and other private functions. The Majestic had already undergone an extensive renovation by the previous owner in 2000.
Christopher Anthony Tavares is the executive chef at Bia and according to Hegarty the menu has been expanded and now includes more seafood selections to meet customer’s demands. Bia is open every day for lunch and dinner and serves light fare during the late afternoon.
Both Hegarty and Holmes are excited about their new Ocean Grove venture after spending many years in Manhattan where Holmes worked for the Fitzpatrick Hotel organization and Hegarty was in office suite management. Holmes was born in the U.S. but grew up in Ireland, returning to this country at the age of 20. He was familiar with Ocean Grove, having owned a weekend house in Wall Township for several years. Hegarty, is a native of Yonkers, N.Y. and since moving to Ocean Grove has become actively involved in the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce and is now its President.
 Coaster Photo: You have to participate, she says, adding that Chamber membership has helped her get to know everybody in town which she says is a small town, and really quite seasonal. It’s also very competitive, with no fewer than 25 Inns within its one square mile area. Hegarty and Holmes also were attracted to Ocean Grove because of its close proximity to Asbury Park. Hegarty says they like the fact their guests can enjoy the nightlife, vibe and energy of Asbury Park but return to the serenity of Ocean Grove. They also understand the rigors of owning a B&B which is open 365 days a year and employs 15 people. Somebody has to answer the phone 24/7 Hegarty says, adding that the days when a couple could retire and become Innkeepers while living off a pension are fading as the demands of the business increase. We have to make a business of it. For us there’s no second income. |
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