Owner Stephen Rice believes his Cream Ridge restaurant has something everyone would like.
“The Roost is a place that has a wide appeal to all different types of audiences: families, young people, seniors,” Rice said. “Virtually everybody finds it to have the perfect atmosphere.”
Rice opened The Roost at the Cream Ridge Golf Course in January 2015 after revamping the menu, changing the name and making a number of internal revisions to Sunsets, the course’s previous restaurant. The Roost is open to the public, and there’s no need for a membership to enjoy specials like “Backwards Wings” and “Two Way Tuna.”
Rice’s enthusiasm for his latest endeavor is evident in his voice as he explains how he came to open The Roost.
“We like to see ourselves as a restaurant that supports the Cream Ridge residents as well as surrounding areas,” he said.
Rice hasn’t always been in the food and beverage industry. He actually worked in the media for 20 years. In the early 90s, he started a training development company that he still has today. He would travel to perform motivational speeches and corporate seminars. After having a career on the road, he decided to slow down long enough to put down business roots. While he still makes time for his passion for motivational speaking, Rice’s company Linx Golf Management now has three locations. Two locations have food and beverage services, with The Roost being one of them.
“I thoroughly enjoy being in the golf business, but I also embrace the fact that food and beverage is an integral part of what we do,” he said.
Right now, Rice is very involved in the daily operations of The Roost as the restaurant continues to grow and develop in its second year.
“I love the notion of growing an organization and maximizing its potential with the people that are a part of it and also catering to the ongoing changing needs of the patrons that we serve,” he said.
One of the staff’s priorities is providing superb customer service. The warm atmosphere in the restaurant and bar area can’t be credited to the rustic style interior alone, Rice said. The staff is always looking to exceed the expectations of their patrons.
“I like to surround myself with very strong managers who can lead our staff and identify new ways to help grow our business,” he said.
Another priority of this past year has been a more enthusiastic and accessible marketing platform. Liz Coscia works hard to make sure that the public is updated on what’s going on, whether it’s the Happy Hour specials every day or the upcoming bands that weekend.
“We look forward to the weather breaking because we have outdoor dining for up to 60 people, and we also have live music every Friday and Saturday throughout the year,” Rice said.
There already are outdoor concerts scheduled for this summer. To find out who’s playing, and when, follow The Roost’s Facebook page at facebook.com/theroostnj.
The Roost’s menu includes unique specials, as well as a variety of staple dishes, including bar pies, burgers and an array of sandwich and entree options. During Happy Hour, patrons enjoy drink specials and half priced appetizers. And The Roost’s outdoor patio is open for diners to enjoy nice weather during lunch or dinner.
But if you’re still wondering what makes The Roost different than other restaurants, Rice puts it simply.
“First and foremost it’s the people. We have a great local crowd and we’re excited to be here.”
The Roost is located at 181 Route 539 in Cream Ridge. Phone:(609) 208-0050. Web: theroostatcreamridge.com.
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