Rick Vach is a self-described serial entrepreneur. The owner of Longboard Café in Ocean City has been at the wheel of several successful ventures over the past 32 years, including Vox Pop, a national advertising display/fixture company; The Avalon Market, a gourmet store ahead of its time for the area that he calls his “proudest achievement”; and Island Time Café, a Sunset Island eatery that became so popular, the kitchen had to be expanded twice during his tenure. 

When provided the opportunity to open an anchor restaurant in the new Midtown Shopping Center on Coastal Highway and 67th Street in 2013, Rick felt the timing was perfect. Conceptually, he envisioned Longboard Café as a “surf-rat bar,” featuring burgers, tacos and craft beers. When the buildout was complete, the decor was more elevated than he anticipated, and as his core demographic and reputation rose simultaneously, Rick added a high-level, full-course dinner program to his operation, which continues to earn accolades for its evolving creativity, fresh, locally sourced ingredients and delectable flavors. 

“Today, we’re a tough table to get and we’re thrilled to be at that level,” Rick said. “Our menu has grown substantially, and we’ve developed a regular customer base that frequently dines with us from as far as Bethany and Rehoboth. We always look forward to seeing our seasonal regulars when they’re in town, too.” 

Longboard Café is also known for its pub-fare staples, such as its award-winning burgers, tacos and chicken wings, and of course, it’s must-experience happy hour. The restaurant’s warm, relaxed environment makes it an ideal choice for a date night, business meeting or family night out.
This year, in addition to winning Best Chicken Wings, Best Lunch and Best Salads, Rick was named Best Businessman in Worcester County by the readers of Coastal Style — an honor he quite humbly appreciates yet very openly states that the majority of the credit for it should go to his dedicated and talented staff.

“Our team, from the kitchen to the front of the house, is amazing,” Rick said. “Our industry has obviously been through a lot lately, and we weren’t immune to it, but our staff is wonderful, and they work their rear ends off. I couldn’t be prouder of them, and I value them so much that we recently instituted a 401K and profit-sharing program.”

Rick is also pleased to support local charitable organizations making a difference in our community, such as Children’s House by the Sea, the Ocean City Surf Club, the Ocean City Beach Patrol and Atlantic General Hospital, among others.