OCEAN CITY, Md. — Ocean City’s business landscape is thriving in 2025, with a wave of new and relocated establishments opening along the Boardwalk and beyond. From Thrasher’s French Fries taking over a new spot on 9th Street to Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli returning at 82nd Street, the resort town is buzzing with fresh dining, fitness, and entertainment options.
The Stoke, a fitness studio and café in West Ocean City, Nick’s Mini Golf’s new course on 146th Street, and CRAFT Bar’s debut on Philadelphia Avenue further diversify the offerings, catering to locals and visitors alike. These developments, reported by OceanCity.com, signal a vibrant start to the year for the year-round vacation destination.
Thrasher’s French Fries, a Boardwalk staple since 1929, relocated its 8th Street location to 9th Street and Boardwalk, replacing the Alaska Stand, which will not reopen in 2025. Thrasher’s now operates three Boardwalk locations, including the Inlet and 2nd Street, continuing its tradition of serving golden fries with salt and vinegar.
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli, after closing its 63rd Street location in September 2024 due to an aging building, will reopen on May 1, 2025, at 8201 Coastal Highway, sharing space with Shmagel’s Bagels under the name Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli Featuring Shmagel’s Bagels. “It’s just another location,” owner Warren Rosenfeld said, noting the deli’s expansion with existing stores in Salisbury, Rehoboth Beach, and South Bethany.
The menu will retain Shmagel’s bagels and coffee while adding Rosenfeld’s full lunch and dinner offerings.
The Stoke, located at 12728 Ocean Gateway Unit 3 in West Ocean City, opened as a unique fitness studio and café, offering yoga, Pilates, weight training, and a menu of breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Its surf-inspired vibe aims to blend wellness and dining, filling a niche in the local fitness scene.
Nick’s Mini Golf, a family-friendly staple, is set to unveil a new course at 146th Street and Coastal Highway this spring, featuring polar bears, icebergs, and snowmen, complementing its existing ropes course at 21st Street.
CRAFT Bar, at 2305 Philadelphia Ave., Suite #3, opened below The Embers Restaurant, serving craft pizza, beers, and cocktails in a vibrant setting next to BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar, enhancing Ocean City’s nightlife.
These openings reflect Ocean City’s ongoing evolution as a premier destination, with businesses adapting to meet diverse visitor needs. The town’s economic vitality, driven by tourism, supports such growth, with 8 million annual visitors contributing to local commerce. As more grand openings are anticipated, Southern Maryland residents and tourists can explore these new spots, from iconic fries to innovative fitness and dining experiences, ensuring Ocean City remains a dynamic coastal hub in 2025.
