WEST OCEAN CITY – With the days for the Marlin Moon Grille at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort now counting down, there has been a steady murmur about the future of the popular restaurant as family, friends and long-time guests prod owner Gary Beach and his staff about what happens next.
In an effort to set the record straight and, hopefully, stave off the barrage of questions, rumors, innuendo, speculation and hearsay about the future of the Marlin Moon Grille, Beach this week released a formal statement about his long-range plans for the business, voted favorite restaurant in Maryland by the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2009.
The Marlin Moon Grille’s lease at the Francis Scott Key runs out in the first week of October. The last official day of business is Saturday, Oct. 3 with a blow-out party and fundraiser set for the following day, Sunday, Oct. 4, from 1-6 p.m. and will include open bar, as long as supplies last, and plenty of the great food, along with DJs BK and Seppy providing the entertainment. Tickets are $50 per person and are going fast.
What is not widely known, however, is that the decision to let the lease run its course was made a long time ago and was not abrupt decision by either party. “This was a joint decision made between the Marlin Moon Grille and the Francis Scott Key years ago,” said Beach. “We leave each other with a very strong and amicable relationship.”
Marlin Moon Grille, which started as the Reel Inn Grille, began at the old Ocean City Marlin Club building on Route 50 in West Ocean City 10 years ago and transitioned to its new digs at the Francis Scott Key eight years ago. With this latest chapter ready to close, Beach and his staff have every intention of starting a new chapter in a new location and are currently weighing all opportunities.
“Marlin Moon Grille has not secured a new lease at any other location yet, with the emphasis on yet,” said Beach. “We are hopeful that we will find a new space and re-open in the spring.”
Meanwhile, the buzz around the resort area and beyond has Marlin Moon Grille moving to any number of locations, pulling up stakes and moving to a completely new area, or folding the tents completely. However, Beach urged his loyal guests, family and friends to resist the temptation to believe everything they are hearing.
“Please don’t believe any rumors, they are just that,” he said. “We honestly don’t know where we are relocating. It wouldn’t make sense to keep this a secret. When we know, you will know.”
Over the final weeks at the Francis Scott Key, friends and guests are encouraged to use their gift cards, although they will be honored at any future location.