Page 54 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch November 22, 2013 Veteran Restaurateur’s Pub Strives For Unique Offerings By JOANNE SHRINER STAFF WRITER OCEAN CITY – Johnny’s Pizza & Pub has closed out its fourth successful summer in the heart of Ocean City with excitement growing for the years ahead. John Hofman and his wife, Pam, opened Johnny’s on 56th Street and Coastal Highway on June 3, 2010. John Hofman moved to 61st Street in 1979 during the summer following his first year of college and grew familiar with Ocean City as be bartended in town during the summers through the early 1980s. Hofman has 30 years of experience in the pizza business and has owned two other pizza locations in the past – Pino’s Pizza in Ocean City and Pizza 500 in Montgomery County. When the shopping center on 56th Street was built, Hofman couldn’t resist and decided to open Johnny’s Pizza & Pub with the concept of combining his bartending experience in Ocean City and pizza business knowledge. “Ocean City is my sand box, and Pictured in front of Johnny’s Pizza are, from left, Mel Kurtz, manager; John Hofman, co-owner; Jeff Willey, manager; and Kit Gabby, employee. Photo by Joanne Shriner I know what’s going on here. I thought it was good location and it was a good-looking building, so my wife, Pam, and I bought two units. We built it [Johnny’s] all winter [of 2009], and just did what we knew to do,” Hofman said. “This mile from 45th to 65th streets is probably the most crowded section of bars in the United States. There is a lot of foot traffic and it has become a real pocket, the center, the heart of Ocean City.” Once Hofman secured the property, he began building his team that includes managers Mel Kurtz, Jeff Willey and Orbin Strickler. “We are the four that run it. It is a busy place and it is open around the clock – seven days a week, 365 days a year – and this core crew we have had from the get-go has been the nucleus to make this place successful,” Hofman said. Johnny’s offers bar and table seating with a relaxed casual atmosphere that is good for all ages, reflecting an eclectic beach theme with Brazilian tiger wood and stained glass accents. The pub is set up with an elite surround sound and video system, plus large flat-screen TVs set up at every angle to fit all entertainment needs. There is trivia on Wednesday nights and live bands play every weekend. There are currently six craft beers on tap with plans to grow to 12 as well as a specialty drink list that includes sangrias, orange crushes and spiced rum punches. Johnny’s also has a new CocaCola Freestyle machine that offers hundreds of soft drink choices out of one spout. Only a few on the Eastern Shore exist, and Johnny’s was the first to have it in Ocean City. SEE NEXT PAGE PAINTING HOME IMPROVEMENT AINTING Zimmerman •• CUSTOM PREPAIRS DRYWALL Painting & ALLPAPER REMOVED & Son Powerwashing •• WECK & HOUSE STAINING D Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Specializing In: Custom Additions, Kitchens, Baths, Duradek And All Types Of Remodeling KEN WALSH – 410-641-3762 EST. 1977 • MHIC 8465 www.WalshHomeImprovement.com BLINDS/SHADES Interior & Exterior Licensed & Insured • HOTEL & CONDO PAINTING No job too big or too small! Free Estimates HERE’S MY CARD FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT PAMELA GREEN PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM Let’s get thru the hard times together Where quality and service is our guarantee Bill Zimmerman • 410-213-1134 10% Discount with this ad. HOME IMPROVEMENT BALLY SERVICES, INC. Let Us Impress You With Our Award Winning Workmanship General Contractors MHIC Lic. No. 19442 OC Lic. No. 35650 References Available Douglas S. Cymek 410-723-0100 PLUMBING Quality Home Improvements And Custom Homes For Over 30 Years ROOFING FLOORING GEORGE BRAC MD State Registered Master Plumber, Lic. #1537 Serving Maryland Since 1964 Worcester County Installation Of Customers Supplied Materials Good Through December 2013 REPLACEMENT COST • Water Heater-Electric - $230.00 • Garbage Disposal - $120.00 • Kit Faucet - $135.00 (No Obstructions) • Lav. Faucet - $120.00 • Toilet - $140.00 Phone/Fax 410-208-0987 Cell 410-365-7214 PROFESSIONAL MOVERS HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT BUDGET MOVERS 7 DAYS A WEEK SAME LOW PRICE Professional Moving Residential or Commercial 24/7 OCEAN SEABREEZE MHIC #70113 • • • • • Remodeling Additions Decks Painting Masonry Work • New Home Construction • Stamped Driveway & Pavers Artistic Renovations Inc. “The Premier Renovation Contractor at the Beach” Kitchen and Bath Remodels Complete Renovations Allen Deward 410-352-3882 P.O. Box 41 Bishopville, MD 21813 443-664-2650 SERVING EAST COAST 443-880-3346 • 410-524-1986 30 Years Experience Locally artisticrenovations.com MHIC#76938 Del.#2007215731