OceanFirst Bank assumed ownership of the Egg Harbor City, N.J., property, now known as Tuscany Resort, after a bankruptcy auction in September. The bank is seeking a buyer and will keep the resort open and fully operational throughout the process.
OceanFirst Bank assumed ownership of Renault Winery Resort and Golf in Egg Harbor City, N.J., on November 16, and City Council’s recent approval of its liquor license transfer should help ensure the uninterrupted operation of the property while the bank seeks a buyer for the property, the Marmora, N.J., Shore News Today reported.
The City Council voted unanimously at its November 5 meeting to allow the liquor license to be transferred to OceanFirst, an action not listed on the meeting agenda but taken at the request of Police Chief John McColgan. “We had to request a waiver to avoid the need to do a background check on the new owners, because one would have needed to be done on each of the 105 stockholders of the bank,” McColgan said. “That would have taken months, which the state’s attorney general recognized and willingly granted a waiver.”
The historic and critically acclaimed resort will operate under the new name Tuscany Resort. The complex will remain open and fully operational while the new owner seeks to sell the property, according to reports. The Toms River-based OceanFirst, through its subsidiary, 975 Holdings LLC, assumed ownership after a bankruptcy auction September 22, Today reported.
According to a news release from the company, New Vistas Corporation based in Northfield, N.J., will manage the facility, which consists of Renault Winery, Vineyard Golf, the Tuscany House Hotel, Joseph’s restaurant and Renault Gourmet restaurant. Patrick Sheehan will serve as the executive director and general manager of the property. There will be no staffing reductions associated with the transition, according to Sheehan and bank officials. The property employs about 80 to 150 people, depending on seasonal demand, Today reported.
“We are fully committed to continuing to offer our guests and patrons the exceptional quality and service that they have come to expect from Renault,” Sheehan said. “Golfers, hotel guests, restaurant patrons, winery visitors and wedding and banquet customers can be assured that we stand ready to meet and exceed their expectations. In addition, we will evaluate all aspects of our business to find opportunities to deliver an even more memorable experience for all of our guests. ”
Egg Harbor City Mayor Lisa Jiampetti said officials are thrilled that Renault will remain open and fully operational. “In addition to being one of the area’s major employers, the resort is an important venue and an economic asset for Egg Harbor City and the surrounding communities,” she said.
Galloway Mayor Don Purdy said it is “great news” that Renault will continue operations. “The resort has a longstanding history and has hosted some of the most remarkable events. I look forward to seeing them grow and prosper in the future, and having them remain an asset and a source of pride for Galloway,” he said.
The resort and winery have a full slate of events and activities that will go on as planned, according to officials. They include Thanksgiving dinner, brunches with Santa, a New Year’s Eve celebration, a Winter Wine Festival, Vineyard Art Studio Paint Nights and more. The resort is still booking holiday parties for 2015 and banquets and weddings for 2016. Golf memberships for next year are available, and Vineyard Golf remains open for play, Today reported.
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