About
The Pearl is a small family owned business who is being bullied by the State of New Jersey. They have used eminent domain to take the property and has offered to reimburse the owners at far below the value of the property.
Located right on the circle in Somers Point, NJ, this location has been the site for many beloved establishments like “Shangri La”, “Shoobies”, “Jolly Rogers”, “Three Coins”, etc. The most recent incarnation is “Pearl Restaurant & Bar”, or “the Pearl” as it is affectionately called.
As “Three Coins”, it was a restaurant with singing waiters. Local story tells of an interesting anecdote involving young Frank Sinatra, who in his teens tried to get a job at the restaurant. He was not hired because he could not project his voice.
Throughout the years, the location was know for its great music. That reputation was continued with “Jolly Rogers” and “Shoobies”. It is also interesting to note that the name “Shoobies” derived from the weekend and summer visitors from Philadelphia and the inland areas where why would come to the Jersey Shore and spend the day at the beach. The visitors would carry everything they need for the day in a shoebox (towel, sun tan lotion, lunch, etc). See reference.
The Lin family purchased the property in 1983, and have spent their blood, sweat, and tears in creating an establishment that they can be proud of and as a contributing part of the community. Originally, it was known as “Shangri La”, in reference to the James Hilton book, “Lost Horizon”. “Shangri La” operated from 1984 to 1995, where with influence from the eldest son, David, was rebranded as “Pearl Restaurant & Bar”. The goal was to provide more entertainment to the customers by offering jazz Sundays and a progressive menu.
Throughout the years, with almost three decades of operation in the community, many locals and shoobies alike have grown great fondness to the establishment. It is unusual not to see Pearl or Steve, and customers would often ask “Where’s Steve?” or “Where’s Pearl” if they were not present.
The love for the establish was heart-felt when the family encountered this condemnation / eminent domain takeover by the NJ DOT. The constant support by the community and visitors compelled the Lin family to buckle down and fight to keep the establishment. With the eviction date of December 15th just days away, the resolve of the family is strained, and desperately trying to find any means possible to try to gain an advantage in this struggle.
Other options were explored in purchasing nearby property to try to relocate the business. Although Steve and Pearl are getting more advanced in their age and will definitely not be able to start another business in the same vigor as they did decades ago, they were willing to give it a try for the community. The most upsetting thing was to receive an offer from the NJ DOT for the property that was about the same money that they paid for the property in 1984.
At this point, it is obvious that the beloved established will be closed for a period of time. There has been only a trickle of communication with the NJ DOT, and no sign of any money.
Help us fight the DOT and stand up against unfair practices!
