Momiji Damaged by Accidental Fire, Sister Restaurant Steps In

Issue #590

January 29, 2026

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🔥Momiji Damaged by Accidental Fire, Sister Restaurant Steps In

🅿️ Summer Parking Woes Return as Stone Harbor Raises Rates 150%

✈️Breeze Airways Offers New Travel Options from South Jersey Starting May

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 29

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Momiji Damaged by Accidental Fire, Sister Restaurant Steps In

An early morning fire on Saturday, January 24, caused significant damage to Momiji Restaurant in Rio Grande, temporarily shuttering the well-known Japanese hibachi and sushi spot. The fire, which began in the food preparation area, was ruled accidental. Momiji has long been a favorite for locals and visitors alike, known for its hibachi dining experience and fresh sushi offerings. The extent of the damage has been described as moderate to major, impacting the restaurant’s ability to operate in the near term. According to an update on their website, the restaurant is currently undergoing repairs. In the meantime, patrons are being directed to visit their sister location, Murasaki, located in nearby Court House. No injuries were reported during the incident, and there has been no announcement yet regarding a reopening date.

Summer Parking Woes Return as Stone Harbor Raises Rates 150%

Parking headaches are nothing new at the Jersey Shore, but one South Jersey town is once again drawing sharp criticism over its paid parking policies. Stone Harbor, a longtime summer destination in Cape May County, is facing renewed backlash after approving a significant increase in hourly parking rates, despite ongoing concerns from both business owners and seasonal visitors. Heading into the 2026 summer season, the Stone Harbor City Council voted to raise the hourly parking rate from $1 to $2.50—a 150% increase. The decision has alarmed many local business owners, several of whom spoke at a recent council meeting to warn of the possible consequences. They argued the higher parking costs could discourage visitors and hurt the town’s seasonal economy. So far, the council has not indicated any plans to reconsider the rate hike or further address community concerns. Their lack of response has fueled perceptions that officials are out of touch with the needs of both residents and tourists.

 

Breeze Airways Offers New Travel Options from South Jersey Starting May

 Atlantic City International Airport is preparing for a major lift in service this spring as Breeze Airways becomes the third commercial airline to offer regular flights from the South Jersey airport. The low-cost carrier will begin operating in May, marking a notable expansion for an airport that only recently began growing beyond a single airline. For years, Spirit Airlines had been the only commercial passenger carrier flying in and out of the Egg Harbor Township-based airport. That changed in late 2025 when Allegiant Airlines launched service. Now, Breeze Airways is set to further expand the airport’s offerings with new flights to Charleston, South Carolina; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Tampa, Florida. Breeze will begin twice-weekly nonstop service to Charleston on May 6, followed by Raleigh-Durham flights starting June 11. Also debuting June 11 is BreezeThru service to Tampa, which includes one stop but no plane change. Introductory fares are as low as $39 for Raleigh-Durham and $49 for Charleston, according to the airline’s website. Spirit Airlines continues to operate up to ten flights per day from Atlantic City, primarily to Florida cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Tampa. Despite financial setbacks, including a crew base closure and bankruptcy filing in 2024, the airline remains a fixture at the airport. Allegiant Airlines, which began service in December, offers twice-weekly flights to Fort Lauderdale and is expanding to include other Florida destinations such as St. Petersburg, Orlando-Sanford, and Punta Gorda by February. Atlantic City International also maintains an American Airlines-operated bus connection to Philadelphia International Airport, allowing passengers to clear TSA locally and arrive at their gates in Philadelphia via shuttle. Breeze Airways, founded in 2021 by JetBlue and WestJet founder David Neeleman, has rapidly grown to serve 80 airports across the U.S. and beyond, including destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline sees Atlantic City not only as a travel destination but as a launch point to larger metro areas, offering more convenience for regional travelers.

Which famous Victorian house museum in Cape May is believed to be haunted and was featured in the 1981 slasher film The Prowler?

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 Answer to the January 28th Trivia Question

Cape May, New Jersey, is famous for its lighthouse, which has been a beacon for mariners since its construction. In what year was the current Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, first lit?

A) 1816
B) 1859
C) 1905
D) 1946

Answer: B) 1859

Cape May Lighthouse has been a significant landmark since it was first lit in 1859. It continues to guide mariners to this day and is a popular tourist attraction​

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