Seven Mile Times Presents Seven Questions with Eustace Mita

He made his first visit to the Seven Mile Beach as a 2-week-old to be baptized. Raised in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., he must have managed to get a good dose of sand in his shoes because the Jersey Shore in general and Seven Mile Beach in particular still play a large role in his life. His first job, which was unofficial because it was unpaid, was cleaning the pool at his grandfather’s property, The Whitebrier Hotel at 21st Street and the beach in Avalon. Today he’s busy building his own hospitality brand – ICONA – with three of the newest hotel properties in South Jersey: ICONA Cape May, ICONA Diamond Beach and ICONA Golden Inn right here in Avalon. He celebrated the ceremonial grand reopening of the ICONA Golden Inn in June. And now, after reading our seven questions, hopefully you’ll know even more about Eustace Mita.

1. You spent a lot of time in the summer as a kid growing up in Avalon. What’s your fondest memory?
“Working at The Princeton for sure, but when I was younger, I also have great memories of riding my bike around town and especially the circle at 21st Street. Funny, but even after all of these years I still remember seeing bumper stickers on cars on that circle that read ‘Avalon for you in ’62.’ ”

2. Every Philadelphia sports fan has an opinion. Which team do you think will be the first to reach their respective championship game?
“The Eagles. I can’t help myself.”

3. Red or white?
“Red, although IPA is my drink of choice.”

4. If we checked your playlist, what would be the single most-played song?
“Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On.’ ”

5. Tell us what tops your “Must See” TV list?
“I only watch one show – ‘Shark Tank.’ ”

6. When you have an errand to run from the ICONA Golden Inn, are you a Dune Drive or Ocean Drive person?
“Always Dune Drive. I love the islands in the middle of the street.”

7. When you need five minutes’ peace, where’s the place that you get away to?
“Suite #324 at ICONA Golden Inn. It’s an oceanfront suite on the third floor. It’s exactly where I go.”