The Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, a longtime beachfront dining and lodging destination in Cape May, New Jersey, is changing ownership after 16 years under its current operators. The transition was announced Thursday in a social media statement from the owners of the award-winning restaurant and historic hotel, which is known for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Georgian Revival architecture and upscale dining.
The property at 1301 Beach Ave. will be taken over by a new ownership group led by Carl and Megan Messick. According to the announcement, the inn and restaurant are expected to remain open without interruption during the changeover, and the business will continue accepting reservations and booking special events as normal.
Carl Messick is a familiar name at Peter Shields Inn. Before leaving to open Grana BYOB, he spent more than a decade as executive chef at the property. Under the new arrangement, he will oversee both the inn and the restaurant, the owners said.
In their statement, the outgoing owners reflected on the past 16 years, saying they invested significant effort in restoring and enhancing the property. They described serving guests as the most rewarding part of their tenure and said the greatest satisfaction came from providing the hospitality and dining experience that helped define Peter Shields Inn over the years.
The owners also expressed confidence in the Messicks’ leadership and said they believe the new team will continue the inn’s tradition of warm hospitality and memorable meals. They said the current and future ownership groups are working together to ensure a smooth transition for guests, employees and event clients.
As part of that process, all existing reservations, scheduled events and gift cards will be honored before and after the ownership change, according to the announcement. The business has not indicated any planned interruption in service, and additional details about the transition are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Peter Shields Inn remains open to the public and is currently accepting dinner reservations. The restaurant operates seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while the inn also remains open daily.
The ownership change marks a new chapter for one of Cape May’s best-known hospitality landmarks, combining continuity with a leadership team that already has deep ties to the property.
