Kurtz's Beach, Ltd.
Most of the beaches that draw city dwellers to Pasadena, Maryland have disappeared but Kurtz's Beach has done much more than survive. It is home to a flourishing catering business. Kurtz's Beach, Ltd. hosting hundreds of celebrations throughout the year from elegant weddings to summertime picnic and crab feasts.
With blue waters in the background, many brides have opted for an outdoor wedding in the waterfront gazebo. In cooler weather, the magnificent octagonal ballroom offers spectacular views with a second hall available for larger crowds.
Outside, Bradford pear trees border the beach and picnic tables stand under expansive, shady pavilions surrounded by lush shrubs and plants. In any season, Kurtz's presents s relaxing and lovely alternative to traditional catering halls. Only the food outshines the location.
"We are very particular about the freshness and quality of ingredients that we use for meals" says Master Chef John Mason, president of Kurtz's Beach Ltd. and a graduate of Baltimore International Culinary College. "Everything is prepared right here under close supervision of myself, my partner Bonnie and a dedicated staff of prep chefs".
Kurtz's serves good, basic meals like those found in your grandmother's kitchen, according to John but presented with a flair that makes every event an occasion. Many corporations large and small intrust their picnics and parties to Kurtz's which provides not only the food, but entertainment as well. That can Include DJ's, bands, kiddy rides, magicians, clowns and even jousting for guests. Smaller groups enjoy Kurtz's on Multi-Picnic Days when two or three groups save costs by sharing the facilities.
John's first cousin, Bonnie Kurtz is vice president of Kurtz's Beach, Ltd. She and her husband, Gus Kurtz own the Kurtz's Beach property. It was Gus' father and uncle, Gustave and Sam Kurtz who founded the beach business in 1933. It went through several transformations until Bonnie and John formed a partnership to turn the former public beach into a site for private gatherings in the early 90's.
John and Bonnie share a love of catering and both agree that their success can be attributed to the many members of their family who gather every week to lend a hand. "You will find mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, even grandmothers working everywhere assuring that everything is as perfect as possible. Even staff members are related to somebody because they bring their families to work at Kurtz's too".
With rapidly increasing popularity, Kurtz's Beach, Ltd. has been offered seemingly golden opportunities to open other sites. John and Bonnie have rejected this idea because they would lose the personal touch and the family ambiance, both a large part of the appeal and success of Kurtz's Beach, Ltd.
