Atlantic City Honors Local Businesses and IT Department for Innovation, Impact, and Community Excellence

At a recent City Council meeting, the City of Atlantic City recognized a group of exceptional local businesses and dedicated city staff whose efforts are helping shape a more vibrant, efficient, and forward-thinking Atlantic City. From restaurant owners to IT technicians, these honorees represent the best of what it means to live, work, and invest in the city.

Celebrating Small Business Month: Local Legends and Community Cornerstones

In honor of Small Business Month, the City’s Economic Development team—part of the Planning & Development Department—formed an internal committee to highlight small businesses that have made an undeniable impact on the local economy and community life.

The inaugural group of honorees included a diverse and dynamic lineup of beloved establishments:

• Dock’s Oyster House – Business Excellence Award
• Gilchrist Restaurant – Resiliency Award
• Barbera Seafood Market – Community Spirit Award
• The Irish Pub Atlantic City – Community Spirit Award
• Kelsey’s Atlantic City – Growth & Economic Development Award
• Tony Boloney’s / Mad Mutz – Innovation Award
• Swapz AC – Emerging Pioneer Award
• Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House – Community Impact Award
• Miss Audrey’s Thrift Shop – Legacy Award

Recognizing neighborhood-specific contributions, local Community Development Corporations (CDCs) also nominated outstanding small businesses in their respective wards:

• North Beach Mini Golf (Inlet CDC)
• Center City Deli (Midtown CDC)
• Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria (Ducktown CDC)

These businesses are more than storefronts—they are economic drivers, cultural landmarks, and places where the community gathers, celebrates, and supports one another. Their recognition reflects the city’s larger mission to make Atlantic City a place where entrepreneurship thrives and local pride runs deep.

Spotlight on Innovation: IT Department Delivers Big Wins Behind the Scenes

While local business owners power Atlantic City’s street-level economy, the City Council also took time to celebrate the often-unseen efforts of its own team, specifically, the Information Technology (IT) Department.

Led by Director Patrick Quinlan and supported by team members Tony Dabney and Kyshawn Wyman, the department was honored for recent accomplishments that have had a direct financial and operational impact on the city.

Among their standout achievements:

• Saving more than $250,000 at Pop Lloyd Stadium and over $100,000 at the Atlantic City Aquarium by installing advanced surveillance systems in-house rather than outsourcing the work.
• Playing a critical role in preventing a major cybersecurity attack, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also a proactive commitment to safeguarding city operations and resident data.

These efforts embody the kind of innovation, accountability, and behind-the-scenes excellence that keeps Atlantic City running efficiently and safely. It’s also a reminder that every dollar saved is a dollar that can be reinvested into community services, infrastructure, and future opportunities.

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A Culture of Recognition, a City on the Rise

Together, the honored businesses and IT professionals represent the diverse strengths within Atlantic City—vision, resilience, creativity, and dedication. Whether it’s through customer service or server security, each honoree is playing a role in the city’s ongoing transformation.

By taking the time to publicly acknowledge their contributions, the City of Atlantic City reinforces a culture of appreciation, excellence, and shared progress.

This is what it looks like when a city prioritizes its people—not just through programs, but through recognition, investment, and action.

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Photo Credit: Ed Lea / City of Atlantic City