Honoring the Businesses That Built Our Community
In 2025, Ocean City, Maryland, celebrates its 150th anniversary—a milestone that shines a spotlight on the businesses and institutions that have been the heart of our community for 50 years or more. These local legends, from boardwalk eateries to beachside attractions, have shaped Ocean City’s economy and culture, welcoming 8 million summer visitors each year and contributing to our $2 billion annual tourism economy. For generations, they’ve provided seasonal jobs that have taught young workers essential skills in hospitality, tourism, and business—skills like customer service, teamwork, and adaptability that have prepared them for successful careers. These businesses have weathered storms, economic shifts, and changing times, creating a legacy of resilience and nostalgia that defines our coastal town. Join Worcester County Economic Development as we celebrate these pillars of Ocean City, MD, and reflect on their lasting impact.
Pillars of Ocean City: A Legacy of Longevity
The following businesses and institutions have each played a vital role in Ocean City’s growth, standing strong for 50 years or more. Together, they’ve employed countless locals, supported our tourism-driven economy, and created memories that keep our community thriving.
- Trimper Rides (Since 1890 – 135 Years): A family-owned amusement park on the boardwalk, famous for its 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel—the oldest operational merry-go-round in the U.S.
- Dolle’s Candyland (Since 1910 – 115 Years): A boardwalk cornerstone known for saltwater taffy, caramel popcorn, and fudge, leaving a sweet legacy for over a century.
- Thrasher’s French Fries (Since 1929 – 96 Years): A boardwalk icon serving buckets of fries at the pier, 2nd, and 9th Streets, with an unchanged recipe that’s a staple for visitors.
- Ocean City Beach Patrol (Since 1930 – 95 Years): A guardian of our shores, ensuring the safety of 8 million annual visitors and employing hundreds of lifeguards each summer.
- The Harbor Inn (Since 1935 – 90 Years): Ocean City’s oldest bar, offering cold beers and warm conversations for locals and workers after long summer shifts.
- Candy Kitchen (Since 1937 – 88 Years): Crafting taffy, fudge, and chocolates at multiple locations, a summer job hotspot for young workers learning candy-making and customer service.
- Fisher’s Popcorn (Since 1937 – 88 Years): A boardwalk favorite popping caramel goodness, now with flavors like Old Bay, run by third-generation family members.
- The Angler Restaurant (Since 1938 – 87 Years): A seafood staple by the inlet, serving fresh catch to tourists and locals year-round.
- Dumser’s Dairyland (Since 1939 – 86 Years): Scooping ice cream at five locations, a summer job rite of passage serving classics like Peanut Butter Supreme.
- The Angler Charter Fishing (Since 1941 – 84 Years): Specializing in deep-sea fishing for seabass and flounder, offering seasonal work for locals.
- Telescope Pictures (Since 1945 – 80 Years): Capturing beach memories at South and North Ocean City locations, teaching summer workers sales and interpersonal skills.
- Marty’s Playland (Since 1955 – 70 Years): A boardwalk arcade staple with Skee-Ball and Pokerino, a summer job haven for teens learning the value of hard work.
- The Captain’s Table (Since 1958 – 67 Years): A culinary gem starting in the Mariner Motel, now at the Courtyard by Marriott on 15th Street, offering summer jobs in hospitality.
- The Carousel Hotel (Since 1962 – 63 Years): A hospitality leader famous for its year-round ice skating rink, providing jobs in the hotel trade.
- Jolly Roger Amusements (Since 1964 – 61 Years): Thrilling visitors with rides, go-karts, and water slides at the Pier and 30th Street, a cornerstone of family-friendly fun.
- Old Pro Golf (Since 1964 – 61 Years): A mini-golf mainstay with themed courses, teaching young workers customer service skills.
- The Golden Plate (Since 1970 – 55 Years): A boardwalk favorite founded by Adil Yilmaz, now run by the Karaman family, serving cheesesteak subs, gyros, and deep-fried Oreos.
- Fager’s Island (Since 1975 – 50 Years): A bayside icon that grew from a small bar into a fine dining restaurant, nightclub, and hotel, known for its sunset views.
- The Kite Loft (Since 1975 – 50 Years): A boardwalk fixture known for kites and windsocks, employing locals in retail.
- Flamingo Hotel (50+ Years): A family favorite offering jobs and training in classic Ocean City hospitality.
- Bonfire Restaurant (50+ Years): A locals’ favorite with a 150-foot buffet of seafood and steaks, employing generations of workers.
A Legacy of Resilience and Impact
These businesses and institutions have been the economic engines of Ocean City, supporting 8 million annual visitors and providing jobs for countless locals. They’ve stood strong through storms and economic challenges, offering summer jobs that taught skills in hospitality, tourism, and business—preparing workers for successful careers while embedding a deep sense of Ocean City pride. From guarding the beaches with the Ocean City Beach Patrol to serving seafood at The Captain’s Table, these experiences have shaped our community’s workforce and culture. As we celebrate 150 years, Worcester County Economic Development salutes these enduring pillars for building a thriving, resilient Ocean City. Here’s to their legacy—and to the next 150 years of growth and pride in our coastal town!
