On any given evening, in any season, locals and visitors alike push through the open doors of Ventura’s Greenhouse and are greeted by the sounds of laughter, forks sliding across plates and the clink of glasses in the air. Located just steps from the sand, this beloved Jersey Shore spot has been more than just a restaurant for the past 40 years, it’s been a tradition and a family.
Whether it's locals gathering for their favorite dish or vacationers toasting another perfect beach day, Ventura’s Greenhouse has cemented itself as a fixture in South Jersey’s coastal culture and continues to live up to its legacy.
This year, Ventura’s Greenhouse celebrates 40 successful years in business. The spot first opened in May of 1985, six months after owner, Lou Ventura purchased the place in ’84.
Prior to buying this spot, Ventura had many years of experience within the restaurant industry.
“I was going to retire and then I came down here, bought this and now 40 years later, we’re still here,” Ventura.
After Ventura purchased the joint, he quickly made vast changes, completely transforming the place. Over the years, Ventura and his staff have continued to remodel and update parts of the establishment as needed.
“It was like a broken-down house when we came in,” Ventura said. “It was like a shack really, so we changed everything around, took everything out, redid the kitchens and everything.”
When it was first purchased, the spot was a speakeasy known simply as “Greenhouse.” The owners at the time lived upstairs, in what is now the main dining room, while the ground floor housed a beer garden.
Customers would bring their beach chairs and gather in what is now the parking lot, just off the beach, to sip drinks and take in the view. It was a laid-back, tucked-away spot where locals came to enjoy the scenery and a cold drink. Today, it’s Ventura’s Greenhouse, and with Lou at the helm, it has transformed in more ways than just its design.
When Ventura bought it in 1984, he immediately set to work on the redesign. They raised the patio outside making it into what is now known as the Rooftop, remolded the second floor from the old living quarters to be the main dining room.
Years later in 2002, he built the Tiki Deck that currently sits above the beach bar and remodeled the dining room again. Then in 2020 right before COVID, he built the beach bar that has since become a huge success.
Through years of redesigns, updates, and steady business, many staff members have remained part of the Greenhouse family. Several employees have worked there for over 20 years, including Barbara Scheetz, the current general manager, who has been with Ventura’s Greenhouse for all 40 years.
“It’s like a family here,” Scheetz said. “We have a lot of people that really like working here and come back year after year.”
While Ventura’s Greenhouse has become a staple of the Shore community during the summer months, drawing crowds to its Tiki and Beach Bars from near and far, the spot does remain open year-round.
The downstairs pub welcomes guests daily at 11 a.m., no matter the season. Upstairs in the main dining room, customers can enjoy happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays. The rooftop bar also stays open and remains a favorite among regulars, especially for watching sports.
The main dining room offers a more upscale atmosphere with a menu featuring pasta, seafood, steaks, and classic Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, the pub downstairs and the rooftop bar provide a more casual experience with bar food favorites like pizza, burgers and mussels. The outdoor bars follow the same casual dining style but with a slightly more limited menu.
“It’s definitely tiring with all the different bars and spots, but it works and Lou loves it,” Scheetz said.
Scheetz attributes the spots success to Ventura’s ‘hard work and determination’, sharing that he goes around every morning with a dustpan and broom and is always overseeing everything and enjoys talking to the people that come in daily.
With the success of Ventura’s Greenhouse, Ventura expanded his vision in 1994 by opening a second location, Ventura’s Offshore. Now, whether on the island or the mainland, locals have a welcoming place to eat, drink, and unwind. Today, Ventura’s son, Lou Ventura Jr., oversees the Offshore location, continuing the family legacy.
While both spots are now well-established, their success didn’t happen overnight.
“My son thought I was crazy when I first bought Greenhouse,” Ventura admitted. “He said, ‘Did you lose your mind?’ because of the state it was in.”
But through dedication and hard work, Ventura transformed the Greenhouse into a community staple, just as his son has done with Ventura’s Offshore. With a committed staff, loyal regulars, and a steady stream of visitors, it’s no wonder Ventura’s Greenhouse has thrived for 40 years.
“It’s been a long ride,” Scheetz reflected.
“It wasn’t all bad,” Ventura added with a smile. “I’d do it again if I had another 40 years.”
