The Point at Sea Isle City
Travascio’s, circa 1960
The Springfield Inn Gives Way to a New Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Travascio’s dining room, circa 1965
It was in the very early 1970s when Joe Bisciotti purchased the building at 43rd Street and Pleasure Avenue that had been known as Massey’s, and Jack Gordon’s, and for years before that, as Travascio’s. At that time, Travascio’s specialized in seafood and Italian dinners with a musical bar featuring “recording star” Art Hinett on the Hammond organ. All of which was “healthfully air conditioned.” Hinett would be followed by Ray Hottinger leading sing-alongs from the Hammond when it was Gordon’s. Bisciotti and his family, however, would take the longtime hospitality establishment to the next level and transform it into what would become known forever as a legendary nightspot in Sea Isle City heading into the 21st century: the Springfield Inn.
When customers still talk about the Springfield, they often speak of the “character of the place.” It was the kind of place where bartenders knew many customers by their first names. And for good reason, because it’s probably the same bartender who served them their first legal drink when they were 21 … or even back as far as when the drinking age was 18.
Low ceilings, red stools, it’s the place where you probably sang along more than once with the Juliano Brothers. The Bisciotti family gave last call in September 2019. COVID probably sealed the deal in 2020. Finally, after much speculation, the family announced on Feb. 26 that the only beachfront property in Sea Isle City with a liquor license had been sold to GMH Restaurant Holdings III.
Customers of the Springfield often spoke fondly that “the place never changed.” Suffice it to say that when the doors open for the 2021 season, the place will have changed. And as they say, the best may be yet to come. And the ceilings won’t be quite as low. After all, now, the sky’s the limit.
The Point in Somers Point from its Facebook page.
The century-old building and Carousel Bar have been replaced by new concept for this part of Cape May County that’s intended to bring a whole new flair to Sea Isle City. It’s intended to mirror in some respects its already successful sister facility in Somers Point, The Point. The Point at Sea Isle City will offer outdoor tiki-style accommodations.
The new sign for The Point in Somers Point.
According to GMH Restaurant’s Ed Bonsignore, “The area can really use something like this. We’ll be the kind of place where you can sit outside, relax … hang out. When we saw the location … wow! It’s just amazing. We knew that it was the perfect location for our concept.”
Bonsignore went on to explain that there are plans for entertainment seven days a week. The owners are also planning a menu that will feature fresh seafood along with stylish entrees. According to testimony in front of Sea Isle City’s planning board this spring, they don’t see themselves as a late-night spot. Instead, they’ll be open most of the day. And brunch will be served every day.
The concept was inspired by similar facilities in South Florida. “It’s something that people enjoy there very much,” Bonsignore said. “We’ve just brought this exciting concept to New Jersey.” Hoping for a Memorial Day weekend kickoff, the plan is to stay open until “it’s too cold or the customers are all gone. We love Sea Isle City and its people. We think that they’re going to love it here.”