$500k Renovation Transforms Dining Experience at The Pines at Whiting

The Cranberry Cove, Fireside Room and 509 Grille Serve up Entertaining Culinary Options for Simple to Sophisticated Palettes

The Pines at Whiting, a local continuing care retirement community (CCRC) recently underwent a half million-dollar renovation to transform the dining experience for its residents. This facelift was designed to replace a dated “large hall” environment with an atmosphere that makes dinner an event. The sense of “dining as entertainment” is visually and tastefully presented throughout The Pines’ trio of intimate and diverse restaurants, the Cranberry Cove, Fireside Room and 509 Grille. 

“One size doesn’t fit all, said The Pines’ President and CEO, Bill Janson. “And our having three unique dining experiences is consistent with everything else we offer by the numbers: three types of contracts, 13 different apartment floor plans and 27 different fitness classes.”

The Pines’ major investment during these uncertain economic times speaks volumes about the organization’s willingness to listen to residents and families and then incorporate new, emerging industry trends.  In fact, The Pines is one of only a handful of CCRC’s in New Jersey making such improvements.

Many of the Pines’ residents are from the so-called Silent Generation, born during the Great Depression and World War II (1925-1942).  This group has had the opportunity to experience different foods from travel abroad and cultural diversity at home.  Encouraged by their Baby Boomer children, these residents expect new and different experiences in the way they live and in what they do.  They value the choice and quality the restaurant approach provides.

The Pines at Whiting’s enhanced dining environments now offer a variety of savory dining options appealing to the simple-to-more-sophisticated palettes, including three separate restaurant-style dining rooms with distinct themes; traditional, trendy and casual dining options, plus "take-out;" fresh, high-quality offerings prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Schack and his culinary staff; a wide variety of daily menu choices; signature dishes and daily specials with an option to select what you want and the portion you want; and ‘heart-healthy’ offerings that are low sodium, low sugar and low fat.

“Our residents are very happy with our three new dining venues and our many choices of menus as well as the friendly wait staff,” said Edna Frederick, Pines at Whiting resident since 2002. “We really look forward to meeting our friends and sharing dinner at any one of the dining areas.”

New Jersey-native Kevin Schack brings more than 20 years of experience to his position, and is no stranger to the local foodservice and restaurant industry. Formerly a dining-services director in both Independent and Assisted Living for Erickson Retirement, Emeritus Senior Living and Morrison Senior Living, Kevin has also been on the restaurant side as the executive chef for three prestigious country clubs in New Jersey: Somerset Hills Country Club, Spring Lake Country Club and Sea Oaks Golf Club. 

He readily admits that he really enjoys working with the senior adult population and preparing fresh, interesting and varied menus combined with great service.  “We’re focused on providing flexibility in service, hours and fresh menus and higher-end cuisine,” Schack adds.

Founded in 1995, The Pines at Whiting, is a Mission-based, not-for-profit corporation known for its innovative FRESH approach to active aging.  It is located on 50-wooded acres in Whiting, N.J., near scenic Keswick Lake, Ocean County.  The Pines is a full continuing care retirement community (CCRC) --- with independent living, skilled nursing, subacture/rehabilitation, memory care and the  Whitings only licensed assisted living program.  For more information on The Pines’ FRESH activities, which include: Brain Train, line dancing, day trips, college classes, fitness programs, and the arts as well as recreational activities, please visit The Pines online at www.thepinesatwhiting.org or call 732-849-0400.