On Avenue with Many Closings, Nightclub Owner Plans Reopening

WILDWOOD — With the recent demolition of the “Block That Rocks” and ongoing abandonment of many other bars and restaurants along the business-district strip of Pacific Avenue, one family-owned nightclub is bucking the trend and choosing to reopen what used to be one of downtown’s most popular nightclubs.
At one time or another, that rocking 3400 block of Pacific Avenue was home to the Penalty Box and the Playpen as well as Wildwood Nights, Hill 16, and H2O. The complex had sat vacant for years, but was finally demolished in January.
Also at the block that used to rock, the former home of Club Shakers remains a partially developed skeleton after two years. A multi-level complex with several upscale restaurants had been planned for that site, but that was before the recession and real estate crisis exploded.
In addition, the M.T. Bottle has been closed for years and the City nightclub also closed unexpectedly last summer.
Only a few fingers are needed to count the number of bars still open at least seasonally on the once-vibrant Pacific Avenue — the Shamrock Café, Good Night Irene’s, the Deck at Holly Beach, Kahuna’s, Juan Pablo’s, La Piazza and Luna.
On a positive note, joining that list this spring will be Fairview Café in the 3600 block of Pacific Avenue at the intersection with Lincoln Avenue, catty-corner to the Shamrock. In April, Fairview owner Victor Petaccio plans to reopen the nightclub famous for its “beat the clock” specials.
Petaccio said the Fairview was, for years, the entertainment anchor for downtown Wildwood with DJs and occasional live bands. It will be so again this year, he said.
The Fairview traditionally catered to a younger crowd, from 21-35, and Petaccio hopes to regain that same audience.
The Petaccio family has owned the Fairview since 1998, but was forced to close after the 2005 summer season for family reasons, Petaccio said.
With all the torn down and abandoned businesses in Wildwood, Petaccio hopes the Fairview will be like a “Phoenix rising from the ashes and demolition debris of Pacific Avenue to be reborn.”
“We’ll try to liven up the center of town by reopening this spring,” Victor Petaccio told the Herald. “We’ve spoken with several other club owners in the area and they’re glad we’re reopening.”
Petaccio said the number of nightclubs in Wildwood has decreased significantly over the years. He thinks the few that remain can be profitable.
“If the Fairview is successful in re-attracting customers to downtown Wildwood, there should be a ripple effect in which all businesses in the area would benefit,” he said. “If we could be the spark for the reawakening of Pacific Avenue, I would consider my season a success.”
The nightclub will be looking soon to hire a new staff, on which Petaccio hopes to include several locals.
“We want to be a productive member of Wildwood’s business community, paying taxes and hiring local workers,” Petaccio said.
At a January Wildwood city meeting, commissioners voted to approve an extension of the Fairview’s liquor license, which has been on inactive status since the family closed the club several years ago.
Wildwood Commissioner Al Brannen said the Petaccios were being very cooperative about maintaining the appearance of the property by removing old banners and cleaning the building’s exterior.
Petaccio said old fans of the Fairview should recognize the club because much of the interior will remain the same. They are sprucing up the interior with fresh paint and floor work, he added.
“We’re very excited to reopen and have high hopes for the coming season,” Petaccio said. “We look forward to, once again, being one of the major players on the reawakened Pacific Avenue club scene.”
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com