For over 100 years, Linwood Country Club has taken pride in its tradition and elegance. People enjoyed the “white linen tablecloth” atmosphere and the opportunity to dress to the nines. However, as Bob Dylan has told us repeatedly, “the times they are a-changin’.” What may have worked in 1925 is just not the ambiance diners look for in 2025. In fact, even the word ambiance may be a bit passe. Today, people look for restaurants that offer a fun, funky vibe.
These changes have not gone unnoticed at Linwood Country Club. In 2017, the Dougherty family, owners of Dock’s Oyster House, Knife & Fork Inn, and Dougherty’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar in Atlantic City, took over the management of the club and restaurants. Since then, the old gal has gotten a makeover extraordinaire with a new look — more casual dining, a new name —Shay’s, and a new coastal casual vibe. There’s that word again.
The dining room
Rebranding — 2025 Style
As icons in the restaurant business, the Doughertys wanted the restaurant at Linwood Country Club to have its own identity and personality, separate from the golf club itself, and completely open to the public. Elizabeth Pritchard, Marketing & Client Development, explains the thought process in rebranding the stuffy country club image of the past: “Very few people want to put on a jacket or tie for dinner, yet that is the image that ‘country club’ evokes in many minds. The rebranding allows us to maintain the casual elegance of the restaurant while also being more in line with current expectations. Jeans and golf attire are acceptable, and collared shirts are not required.”
Since the ownership change in 2017, the club has undergone many physical changes, including a refurbished ballroom, dining room, and bar, improvements to the golf course and locker room, and the opening of the Fox Den for casual outdoor dining and refreshments. To follow suit, their updated menu blends perfectly with the casually elegant space that creates a new…vibe.
Speaking about the menus, one noticeable change is that there are no more variations between lunch, dinner, bar, or happy hour. And, no more menu variations as to where you choose to dine at the Linwood Country Club. Pritchard explains, “Our guests appreciate that they can get their favorites from the menu at lunch or dinner, without regard for where they are sitting.” Whether a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, or just a happy hour get-together with friends, Shay’s offers small plates, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as traditional steak and seafood entrees.
As for the new name, Pritchard and the rebranding team spent numerous meetings deciding on the perfect name for the restaurant! They consulted managers, employees, family, and friends, which resulted in many, many possibilities. At the end of the day, Shay’s won the name game as a nod to Maureen Shay, wife of Frank Dougherty and an active part of all of the Dougherty ventures for over 30 years. Pritchard jokes that Maureen may say, “…it is about time I got a little recognition!”
Clockwise from top left: Roasted Halibut, Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp Risotto, Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread, Gluten-free Cauliflower Crust Flatbread, Pan Seared Chicken
Shay’s Signature Offerings
Some of the new items on the menu destined to become Shay’s signature meals include the flatbreads — Pulled Pork, Tinga Chicken, or Fig & Prosciutto. For a gluten-free option, Shay’s offers the Cauliflower Crust Flatbread. New entrees include the Pan Seared Chicken — tomatoes, capers, and haricot vert over a Parmesan risotto.
In addition to the new, Shay’s kept some of the old favorites as well. For example, the Shishito Peppers accompanied with Sriracha Soy Dipping Sauce continues to be a fun and taste bud pleasing appy. Marji Hendler, a Shay’s fan, sums up her recent dining experience at Linwood Country Club, “Shay’s is comfortable with a relaxed vibe and attentive staff. The varied menu suited everyone in our group — and we definitely didn’t pass up on those shishito peppers!”
