A new chapter is beginning for one of our community's most treasured beachfront destinations. The Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, the award-winning establishment that has graced Cape May's shoreline for years, announced Thursday that it will transition to new ownership after 16 years under its current operators.
The historic property at 1301 Beach Ave., known for its panoramic Atlantic Ocean views and stately Georgian Revival architecture, will be taken over by a new ownership group led by Carl and Megan Messick. For many in our community, the Messick name will be a familiar one—Carl Messick previously spent more than a decade as executive chef at Peter Shields Inn before leaving to open Grana BYOB.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media Thursday, the current owners reflected on their journey with the beloved establishment. "It is with both joy and sadness that we announce we will be passing the torch of one of Cape May's most cherished destinations on to an enthusiastic new ownership team," they wrote.
The transition promises to be seamless for guests and the community. Both the inn and restaurant will remain open without interruption, and Carl Messick will now oversee both Peter Shields Inn and Grana BYOB, bringing his extensive culinary expertise back to the property where he honed his craft.
The outgoing owners took time to express gratitude for their years serving our community. They noted that over the past 16 years, they focused on restoring and enhancing the property while maintaining its reputation for exceptional hospitality and fine dining.
"While we are proud of all that we have accomplished, the greatest reward has been providing our loyal guests with the exceptional hospitality and dining experience that has defined Peter Shields Inn throughout the years," according to their statement.
For those with upcoming plans at the inn or restaurant, there's no need for concern. All existing reservations, events, and gift cards will be honored during and after the ownership change. The restaurant continues to accept dinner reservations and remains open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while the inn maintains its daily operations.
The current and future ownership teams are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition. "We are excited for the future of the inn and restaurant and we are confident the new ownership team will continue the tradition of warm hospitality and memorable dining our guests have come to know and love," the outgoing owners shared.
Additional details about the transition are expected to be released in the coming weeks. For our community, the change represents both an ending and a promising new beginning—one that keeps a beloved local institution in experienced, passionate hands while honoring the legacy built over nearly two decades.
