The Sawmill

The Challenge

The Sawmill Cafe needed a digital presence that could capture the essence of a legendary Jersey Shore institution while serving multiple business functions. As a restaurant that has operated since 1977 and survived both Hurricane Sandy and the 2013 boardwalk fire, they needed a website that honored their historic legacy while showcasing their evolution into a multi-faceted dining destination.
The challenge was creating a site that could effectively communicate their unique story - from humble hot dog stand to full-service restaurant famous for "World Famous Jumbo Sawmill Pizza" - while handling practical needs like online ordering, menu display, employment applications, and private party bookings. As a seasonal business competing with numerous boardwalk restaurants, they needed to differentiate themselves through their authentic Jersey Shore heritage and expanded offerings including Sawmill Express, The Sand Bar, and Park Pavilion event venue.
The website also needed to handle the complexity of seasonal operations, different service models (dine-in, takeout, quick service), and multiple revenue streams while maintaining the authentic, laid-back boardwalk atmosphere that defines The Sawmill experience.

Our Solution

We developed a comprehensive WordPress website that celebrates The Sawmill's rich history while showcasing their modern capabilities and diverse offerings. The solution included:
Heritage Storytelling: Created compelling narrative content that traces The Sawmill's journey from a 1977 hot dog stand to becoming the sole survivor of major disasters, positioning them as both a historical landmark and resilient Jersey Shore institution.
Multi-Business Integration: Designed the site to effectively present multiple business entities - The Sawmill restaurant, Sawmill Express quick service, The Sand Bar beach dining, and Park Pavilion event venue - while maintaining cohesive branding and clear navigation paths.
Online Ordering System: Implemented a robust online ordering platform with seasonal menu options, gift card purchasing capabilities, and clear pickup instructions to streamline operations during peak summer months.
Comprehensive Menu Presentation: Created an organized menu structure that showcases everything from their signature Jumbo Pizza to full dining options, appetizers, boardwalk favorites, and specialty drinks including local craft beers.
Employment and Event Integration: Built seamless pathways for job applications and private party bookings, connecting visitors to relevant applications and the Park Pavilion website for event planning.
Mobile-Optimized Experience: Ensured the site performs perfectly on mobile devices, crucial for tourists and locals accessing information while on the boardwalk or planning visits.

Results

The Sawmill Cafe website successfully established a strong digital foundation that honors their legacy while supporting modern business operations:
Brand Legacy Preservation: The website effectively communicates The Sawmill's unique story as a Hurricane Sandy survivor and 45+ year boardwalk institution, differentiating them from newer competitors and building emotional connection with visitors.
Streamlined Operations: The online ordering system reduced phone call volume during peak hours and provided customers with convenient pickup options, improving service efficiency during busy summer periods.
Multi-Revenue Stream Support: The integrated approach successfully directs visitors to different business offerings - from quick pizza slices to full dining experiences to private events - maximizing revenue opportunities across all service models.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Visitors can now easily access menus, place orders, purchase gift cards, and explore party options in one cohesive digital experience, improving convenience and reducing friction in the customer journey.
Seasonal Adaptability: The website effectively communicates seasonal hours, off-season availability, and different service models, helping manage customer expectations and reducing operational confusion.
Employment Pipeline: The integrated job application system helps attract seasonal workers essential for boardwalk operations, streamlining the hiring process for peak summer staffing needs.
The website now serves as both a tribute to The Sawmill's incredible resilience and history while functioning as a practical business tool that supports their complex, multi-faceted operations on the Seaside Park Boardwalk. It successfully balances nostalgia with modern functionality, helping them maintain their status as a Jersey Shore destination while competing effectively in the digital marketplace.

Website Screenshots