Kim “Kimmie” Iles got everything she wanted (and a little more) when she and her husband Mike bought and converted the historic Sweetwater Casino into the Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck back in 2016.
“I just want(ed) an ice cream shop,” Illes explained.
Under the Iles’ leadership, Sweetwater has become a year-round destination that caters to boating enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone who likes to lounge and lodge on the water.
“Mike and Kimmie poured their hearts and souls into this place,” said Gia Marini, current Guest Services Coordinator, server and personal assistant to Kimmie. “They’re incredible people to work for and know, and they really do strive to always make this place better.”
Revitalizing one of South Jersey’s best-kept secrets after the 2008 fire that destroyed “The Casino” was no easy task, but the then stay-at-home mom and town’s all-around handyman were committed to rebuilding and creating a family-friendly community hub for all to enjoy.
“We love the neighbors who have become our friends and loyal customers,” Kimmie said. “They’re here for everything…They’ve become family.”
After only a few years of ownership, the couple endured a renovation of the property in 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. But working the establishment during the 2020-‘21 season was “actually a great experience,” said Marini, a then new hostess and food runner.
“It was a place for everyone to come since it’s an inside/outside establishment, so everyone could enjoy themselves when there was nothing better to do,” she recalled. “It was actually one of our best seasons.”
Dock your boat and stay awhile to enjoy waterfront dining with immaculate views of the Mullica River, live entertainment that accommodates every taste of music with a rotation of DJs, acoustic sets and lively bands, and seasonal specials and events sure to excite.
When it comes to noshing on classic delicacies, fan favorite apps include their cheesesteak eggroll with jalapeño ketchup, crispy bang bang shrimp with sriracha lime aioli and drunken clams fresh from River Road Clam House.
Entrée-wise, their savory roast pork Italiano sandwiches and buffalo chicken cheesesteaks are popular, as is Mike’s Hangover Burger, which features an egg, pork roll and bacon (and don’t sleep on their yummy fries seasoned with Jane’s Krazy Salt).
To wet your whistle, signature drinks include their crowd-pleasing River Punch Bucket, Tito’s lemonade on draft and, in the fall, Tito’s cider on draft, which comes with a cinnamon sugar rim.
“I wake up and I never know what the day is gonna bring,” Kimmie said. “I meet hundreds of people during the week. I learn so much about food preparation…about the law, how municipalities work. Things that, as a stay-at-home housewife you don’t typically come into contact with. I learn something new, whether it’s good or bad.”
From Eagles watch parties, pet adoption days and drag shows to open mics, murder mystery events and gameshow nights, there’s always something special going on at Sweetwater.
In addition to hosting dozens of weddings each year at their dedicated venue, The Riverview, favorite annual events include their themed New Years Eve party that includes an open bar, their beer festival–Riverfest–which also features carnival games, and their famed Halloween Bash that boasts a costume contest and a haunted walk on a spooky farm down the street.
Sweetwater also regularly supports local charities, partnering with Sweetwater Yacht Club’s efforts that benefit the Forever Logan Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer.
All in all, the heart of Sweetwater truly is its people. From the general manager and event coordinator to the executive chef and restaurant crew, each person embodies the establishment’s philosophy: keep everyone safe, and have fun while doing it.
“I love the staff,” Kimmie said. “They’ve become my children. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for any of them.
“Those people mold Sweetwater to be the success that it is.”
Find more information about Sweetwater at sweetwaterriverdeck.com
