The renowned Philadelphia restaurateur and James Beard Award winner returns to his roots on the Atlantic City boardwalk, bringing with him the experience that transformed Philadelphia into one of the gastronomic capitals of the United States. For Starr, the boardwalk is not just a wooden walkway and tourists, but the place where, as a teenager, he learned his trade, selling T-shirts and souvenirs under the summer sun. “I learned everything about business standing on that boardwalk,” he told Business Insider. “You saw the best and worst of people, and the best and worst of yourself.”
An ever-evolving gastronomic empire
Since that first foray into business, Starr has built a veritable empire: 43 restaurants in six cities, including Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, DC. In the 1990s and early 2010s, he revolutionized Philadelphia's gastronomic scene, transforming it from a city known for cheesesteaks to an international culinary destination. With iconic venues such as the Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, Buddakan, and Morimoto, Starr combined haute cuisine and theatricality, creating experiences that went beyond a simple meal.
The approach to new restaurants: accessible but refined
After opening and closing several locations in Atlantic City due to the pandemic and declining visitor numbers, Starr returns to the boardwalk with a different strategy. Inside the Ocean Casino Resort, he has created two new venues: Sunny's, a bright and inviting brunch restaurant, and Chez Frites, a classic bistro with a prix fixe menu. Both aim to offer a simpler, more accessible, but carefully crafted experience, without the obvious celebrity chef branding. “We want restaurants for everyone, with a little more culinary attention,” explains Starr, differentiating himself from the big names in town such as Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri.
Atlantic City: between challenges and rebirth
The city, hit by hurricanes, a pandemic, and growing competition, is experiencing a revival thanks to multimillion-dollar investments in hotels, casinos, and restaurants. The Ocean Casino Resort, in particular, has invested in quality and guest experience, focusing on high-end dining and an open and welcoming atmosphere. Starr sees this as an opportunity to promote the city as a culinary destination, highlighting local resources and the outdoor experience, especially by the sea.
A vision for the future
With his new restaurants, Starr is not just seeking commercial success: his goal is to create a gastronomic landmark in Atlantic City. He wants to attract foodies from nearby cities such as Philadelphia and New York and offer memorable dining experiences to residents as well. However, he admits that the city's revival requires a broader, more coordinated vision: “Doing things piecemeal doesn't work. We need a grand plan for Atlantic City.”
