Announcement

TOI Q&A: Touch of Italy answers resident questions at Ocean Pines town hall

Friday, January 17, 2025

(Jan. 17, 2025) Ocean Pines Association hosted a town hall on Thursday, Jan. 16 to introduce Touch of Italy, the company hired to manage the Association’s food and beverage operations.

During the town hall, representatives from Touch of Italy answered questions from homeowners and shared their vision for the Yacht Club, Clubhouse Grille, and Beach Club.

Below is a comprehensive Q&A detailing the information shared during the event.

Q: What sets Touch of Italy apart as a management company?
A: Touch of Italy highlighted its ability to balance being “big enough to handle” the scale of Ocean Pines’ operations while remaining “small enough to pay attention” to the community’s needs. The group has extensive experience managing similar venues, including the Sunset Island Bar and Grille, and is known for its hospitality and culinary expertise.

Q: How committed is Touch of Italy to the success of OPA’s food and beverage operations?
A: Touch of Italy emphasized its deep commitment to Ocean Pines. The company has thoroughly evaluated the venues and is dedicated to delivering high-quality dining experiences that attract residents and visitors alike. They see Ocean Pines as an integral part of their business and are investing significant resources into the partnership.

Q: How will Touch of Italy handle feedback or complaints from residents?
A: Founder Bobby Ciprietti provided his personal cell number (914-906-0175) for anyone with concerns or suggestions. The company is committed to listening to the community and making adjustments as needed.

Q: What is Touch of Italy’s relationship with Ocean Pines under the new agreement?
A: Touch of Italy has entered into a lease agreement with Ocean Pines, making the Association their landlord.

Q: Will Ocean Pines make a profit under this new lease agreement?
A: Yes. Touch of Italy will pay Ocean Pines an annual lease that covers depreciation, which amounts to roughly $380,000 per year. That amount will increase by 3% annually. Additionally, Ocean Pines will receive 6.5% of Touch of Italy’s non-alcohol revenues. For context, if the venues generate $4.7 million in total revenue (based on prior year numbers), Ocean Pines would receive approximately $565,000 – or roughly an $80,000 increase compared to prior year earnings – while Ocean Pines assumes no business risk.

Q: How will maintenance costs be handled under the lease?
A: Touch of Italy will handle most maintenance costs, especially for assets in the early stages of their lifecycle. If a repair involves equipment nearing the end of its useful life, Ocean Pines may bear the expense. This arrangement likely represents significant cost savings compared to the current model.

Q: What happens if Touch of Italy wants to make changes to the buildings?
A: As the buildings are owned by Ocean Pines, any modifications must be approved by the Association’s management team and the Board of Directors.

Q: How will Ocean Pines ensure satisfaction with Touch of Italy’s management?
A: Both parties aim to maintain a collaborative relationship. Rick Lawrence, financial operations lead for Touch of Italy, emphasized that feedback from Ocean Pines’ management, the Board, and residents will guide decisions. If issues arise, both sides are committed to working together, and ultimately, contractual terms allow for resolution or separation if needed.

Q: What changes can residents expect on May 1?
A: The transition will be smooth. Touch of Italy is already working on menus, event planning, and equipment evaluations. Residents can expect gradual enhancements over time as the team gathers feedback and fine-tunes operations.

Q: Will Touch of Italy expand operating hours at the venues?
A: Yes. Touch of Italy plans to expand the hours of operation at all venues, especially at the Clubhouse Grille, ensuring services such as early morning coffee for golfers.

Q: Will Touch of Italy maintain the community-focused traditions at the venues?
A: Yes, popular events like free summer concerts at the Yacht Club patio will continue, alongside new enhancements to the overall food and beverage experience.

Q: Will the popular bands that regularly play at the Yacht Club return this year?
A: Yes, many of the bands that residents know and love—such as Great Train Robbery, Tranzfusion, and Full Circle Band—will be returning. Touch of Italy has committed to honoring existing bookings and adding new bands to the roster.

Q: Will entertainment options be expanded?
A: Yes, Touch of Italy will also explore adding more entertainment at other venues, like the Beach Club.

Q: Will previously booked private events, like weddings and banquets, proceed as planned?
A: Yes, all previously scheduled events will be honored. The team is already working to ensure a smooth transition for weddings, banquets, and community functions. For example, a May 1 event for The Parke community was specifically confirmed, with reassurances that everything will be ready.

Q: Will the menu for weddings and banquets remain the same?
A: Yes, Touch of Italy will honor existing wedding and banquet contracts. If couples would like to stick with their contracted menu, they can do so. However, additional menu options will be available to choose from, ensuring an exceptional experience for all events.

Q: What is the plan for ongoing community events, such as golf league banquets?
A: Touch of Italy is committed to supporting community events. Meetings with league representatives are scheduled to ensure a smooth transition and to address specific needs for events and banquets.

Q: Will trivia nights continue at the Yacht Club?
A: Yes, trivia nights will be maintained. Touch of Italy understands the popularity of this event and will work to ensure it continues seamlessly.

Q: Will the popular Thanksgiving buffet tradition continue?
A: Touch of Italy will review successful past events, like the Thanksgiving buffet, and plans to continue traditions that are well-loved by the community.

Q: Will gift cards from the previous operator still be honored?
A: Yes, Touch of Italy has committed to accepting gift cards sold by the prior operator.

Q: Will current food and beverage employees retain their jobs?
A: The existing food and beverage operator will continue through April 30, 2025. Afterward, Touch of Italy plans to offer interviews and training to any staff interested in staying on. The company is taking care to respect current employment relationships while also planning for the transition.

Q: Is Touch of Italy hiring for positions at the Yacht Club, Clubhouse Grille, and Beach Club?
A: Yes. Recruitment will ramp up in the coming months, with job postings shared through social media and other channels. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit resumes now by emailing [email protected]. Touch of Italy offers extensive training programs for all employees.

Q: What changes can residents expect to the menus?
A: Menus will include a wide variety of items, not just Italian cuisine. Expect options such as fresh seafood, burgers, chicken, lobster rolls, and even fajitas, alongside a few signature Italian dishes. All menus will continue to cater to a casual, family-friendly environment. Residents can share their menu suggestions, as Touch of Italy is open to feedback.

Q: Will pricing for food and beverages reflect the community, or be the same as at Touch of Italy in Ocean City?
A: Pricing will be tailored to Ocean Pines residents, with an emphasis on affordability. The goal is to ensure that offerings, including happy hour pricing, resonate with the local demographic.

Q: Will Touch of Italy maintain high-quality, fresh ingredients?
A: Absolutely. Dressings, sauces, and soups will be prepared from scratch using fresh, preservative-free ingredients in their commissary kitchen in Rehoboth to ensure consistency and quality.

Q: Could a deli or bakery be incorporated into the venues?
A: Touch of Italy’s commissary provides high-quality Italian and assorted baked goods to its locations, and similar offerings will be introduced in Ocean Pines. While a full Italian deli isn’t confirmed, seasonal and event-based deli options are being considered.

Q: Will there be affordable food options, especially for children?
A: Yes. Kid-friendly items will be included on the menu at reasonable prices. However, specific pricing details are still being evaluated. Touch of Italy aims to remain competitive while providing high-quality products.

Q: Could there be fine dining nights or wine dinners?
A: Absolutely. Touch of Italy plans to host special events such as wine dinners, bourbon dinners, and themed fine dining nights during the offseason. Community feedback will help shape these offerings to ensure they meet residents’ preferences.

Q: What gluten-free options will be available?
A: Menus will include a variety of gluten-free options, such as gluten-free pizza, pasta, and bakery items. Additionally, most seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free.

Q: What about special pricing for golfers and other regulars?
A: Golfers can expect some special privileges, such as discounted beer prices at the Clubhouse Grille. These details are under review, and Touch of Italy is working with Ocean Pines management to evaluate current pricing and develop similar benefits.

Q: Will there be additional snack or drink options at other locations, like the Swim and Racquet Club?
A: Ocean Pines and Touch of Italy may explore the possibility of expanding offerings at locations like the Swim and Racquet Club, including applying for a liquor license. Specific plans will depend on operational logistics and community feedback.

Q: Will there be changes to the point-of-sale (POS) system?
A: No. Touch of Italy will use the existing POS system, ensuring a seamless transition with no disruptions.

Q: Will credit card fees be passed on to customers?
A: This decision is still under review, and no definitive answer is available at this time.

Q: Will the Yacht Club layout or design change?
A: Yes, Touch of Italy plans to “soften” the Yacht Club’s dining room area to create more privacy and comfort for guests, rather than having one large, exposed space. Additionally, improvements are planned for the downstairs bar to make it more comfortable by addressing structural issues like braces under the bar. The outdoor dining areas will also be optimized to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for the community.

Q: What changes can homeowners expect at the Beach Club?
A: Touch of Italy plans to make several improvements to the Beach Club. These include enhancing the menu with items like lobster rolls, creating a high-quality yet affordable dining experience, and possibly introducing a pizza oven like the one at Sunset Island. Additionally, the team aims to utilize the Beach Club’s second floor as a beautiful space for expanded use, though these changes may take time. Maintenance improvements such as kitchen floor upgrades and fresh paint are also underway.

Q: Did Touch of Italy identify any maintenance needs at the facilities?
A: Yes, Touch of Italy noted the following maintenance items:

Yacht Club: Floor repairs in the kitchen, updates to the wallpaper, and coating improvements for the Tiki Bar’s concrete floor to make it easier to clean.
Beach Club: Paint touch-ups, thorough cleaning, and attention to the kitchen floor for safety. OPA has already addressed concrete work around the building to prevent slips and plans to update the flooring.

To view the town hall, visit https://youtu.be/6nHDHK7xa1s?si=ecJcR5E0rUHdk_35.

For additional questions or concerns, contact Touch of Italy at [email protected] or the Ocean Pines Association at [email protected].

Announcement

TOI Q&A: Touch of Italy answers resident questions at Ocean Pines town hall

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