Outdoor Music for Big Chief Restaurant Could Be Coming, But With Restrictions

After several previous failed attempts, the Big Chief Roadhouse Restaurant has earned preliminary approval from the Wildwood City Council to have live musical entertainment on its outdoor patio.

The prior efforts, which were undertaken by past owners of the restaurant, failed after citizens from the residential neighborhoods nearby complained about the potential noise from such activity.

To address these concerns, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recently toured the property and worked out a compromise with the restaurant’s new ownership that added several restrictions to when and how often a band can play.

The commission’s recommendation was discussed by the city council during a public hearing on the issue held Monday.

By a vote of 14-2, the council authorized the preparation of legislation that would amend the restaurant’s ordinance to allow live music under certain conditions:

• That it only be played from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• It can be played any day of the week, but no more than twice per week.
• Bands shall be limited to three members and must be situated on the southeastern end of the patio facing west.
• The use of live music will be reviewed annually by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commision

The restaurant is located in the city’s Pond Historic District, which includes a mix of uses from homes to business to churches. Residences are located to the west, south and southeast of the restaurant.

Given the “off the beaten path” nature of the district, the city’s planning and parks director Joe Vujnich said they wanted to encourage the “adaptive re-use” of the district’s historic properties so that they stay occupied and maintained.

“By allowing live music, the opportunity to enhance the viability of the restaurant is assured,” he said.

He acknowledged that it is possibly risking the quality of life for the neighborhood’s residents but said the restrictions put in place should help limit the impact.

The restaurant recently changed ownership and the new general manager, Michael Rempe, and the new proprietor, Stephanie Mulholland, also spoke at the meeting.

A local musician himself, Rempe said they have done everything reasonable to try and work with the city and residents. He argued the prohibition against live music outdoors might have contributed to the lack of success for past owners of Big Chief.

“It helps retain people at the restaurant and helps draw people to the restaurant,” he said. “Restaurants all over the world do this because there is an inherit value in it.”

Plus, he said, a number of other restaurants in Wildwood, such as Table Three and Llewleyan’s, have similar patios and provide live music for their guests. For Big Chief to be treated differently is “seemingly unfair.”

However, the appeal drew opposition from council member David Geile, who said the limits recommended by the planning commission would not be enough to appease residents.

“Residents feel they already have a compromise, and that is that the music stays inside,” Geile said. “I just feel if we allow it at all, they will push the envelope.”

Although no residents came forward to speak at the meeting Monday, the city has received several emails from the restaurant’s neighbors against the outdoor music.

“They just flat don’t want it,” he said.

The council members who expressed support for the change noted that they did not want to saddle Mulholland for the sins of past owners. With a one-year review of the permit as condition for allowing the music, council member Jim Kranz said they “have the safeguards in place.”

Council member Paul Wojchiewoski urged Mulholland and Rempe to be responsible if their request is granted.

“Gaining credibility by sticking to the rules gets you nothing but respect out of this council, I would imagine, as well as the neighbors,” he said.