Business Buzz
The summer season is finally here, and we are beyond ready to go to our favorite stores and restaurants once again. Over the winter, several new businesses have made Seven Mile Beach their home. Check out the latest business buzz in our community and stay tuned for additional updates this summer.
From left, Paul Hand, Kathy Hand Todaro, and Paul Fellenbaum represent the two families that have operated Avalon’s liquor store for more than a half-century.
Fred’s Avalon Liquors
2258 Dune Drive • 609-967-4121
For anyone troubled by the changes that seem to be a constant here on the Seven Mile Beach, it’s nice to know that there are some things that never change. At least, not much.
Since last summer, Fred’s Avalon Liquors has introduced a modern outdoor signage package. But don’t worry, inside Fred’s still offers the largest selection of wine, beers, and spirits on the island that you’ve all come to expect. The Hand family, which has operated the liquor store in Avalon since 1986, freshened its outdoor signage in the fall. That included sprucing up part of the original trademark signage that’s been a familiar visual on Dune Drive since 1972.
The barrique, which is a type of wine barrel used to age wines, has adorned the front of the establishment since the larger location was introduced in 1972.
“My dad saw wines becoming a more important part of the business when he had that installed here,” says Paul Fellenbaum, whose father, Walt, operated the business when it was known as Gallagher’s Liquors. “For that reason, the original version read ‘Around the World of Wines.’”
The current store is attached to the original location, which dates back to the early 1940s on the corner of 22nd and Dune Drive. That store was the first retail-only liquor sales location in Avalon. It was operated first by Pete Vassallo until he sold it to Bernie and Marie Gallagher.
Today, Fred’s is living up to the moniker of more than half-century ago with a renowned selection of wines, with approximately 5,000 bottles on hand from 22 countries.
Dave Patrick
Hugh Merkle Team at Compass Real Estate
374 96th St., Stone Harbor • 609-368-9100 • hughmerkle.com
Many people would like to say that they hit the ground running in their career, but with Dave Patrick, the newest realtor associate on the Hugh Merkle Team at Compass Real Estate in Stone Harbor, that description is not only literal, it’s true.
Patrick was a key member of the legendary Jumbo Elliott’s track program at Villanova University. He knows success. A middle-distance runner, he is an eight-time All-American; a four-time individual NCAA champion; a three-time indoor world-record holder; a member of three NCAA championship teams, and has even graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s June 3, 1968 issue.
Who better to guide you on your real estate quest in Cape May County than someone who has owned property in Stone Harbor for nearly four decades? With a lifelong stellar career in sales, Patrick is now dedicated to providing the highest level of professional real estate service to those looking to buy or sell on the Seven Mile Beach.
In his spare time, Patrick enjoys following his grandchildren’s athletic pursuits, golfing, and getting a run in along the hard sand line of Stone Harbor’s amazing beach.