Jack Antwerpen Begins New Business Venture On Eastern Shore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Jack Antwerpen, one of Baltimore's most familiar faces, is best known for his successful car dealerships but now he has a new business venture.  Ron Matz reports it's happening in one of the most picturesque places on Maryland's eastern shore.

The historic and beautiful waterfront town of St. Michaels in Talbot County is home to a new restaurant: The Big Pickle.

Automobile magnate Jack Antwerpen lives in St. Michaels.

"We're going to bring St. Michaels to another level.  It's a beautiful, beautiful town.  The people are very friendly," Antwerpen said.  "St. Michaels is a very unique kind of place.  We have the water, we have wonderful restaurants...and now we have The Big Pickle."

They gutted a century-old hardware store to make it happen.

"This was a hardware store for over a hundred years.  We hired an architect and we rehabbed the whole building, so we build a new building in the old building," Antwerpen said.  "This is first class and that's the only way we do our things.  Our dealership is first class and this restaurant is first class."

Right now, there are about 12 restaurants in St. Michaels.  The Big Pickle has become the talk of the town.

"St. Michaels is a vibrant dining town.  It's well-known for its culinary talents and its chefs.  The addition of The Big Pickle has certainly started buzz around the town and we're all anxiously awaiting its opening," said Talbot County Director of Tourism Debbie Dodson.

Jack's wife Dolores gave The Big Pickle its name.

"I named the restaurant after my husband.  I just feel like St. Michaels is coming alive.  it's a whole new adventure.  I'm very excited; we're also going to open a bakery across the street," said Dolores Antwerpen.

"We will serve corned beef, pastrami and all the deli goodies.  Plus, in the evening, we gear it up to real all-American cuisine," said Jack Antwerpen.

The Big Pickle is located on South Talbot Street and will open its doors Tuesday.