OUR FAMILY

The Sands Motel is 100% family-owned and -operated by the Tenaglia Family who has been in the hospitality business for 2 generations now in Wildwood Crest. In addition, one of the Tenaglia brothers, Vincent, is married to Cindy “Smith” whose family owned and operated the ever-popular Snuffy’s Restaurant operating in Wildwood Crest for over 50 years. For the Tenaglia brothers, Joseph, Vincent and Mario, their parents, Joseph & Maria, first bought a rental building in 1973 on Poplar Ave which excited them to move forward in hospitality. Eventually moving from Philadelphia to Wildwood Crest permanently and buying the Viking Motel, they later purchased the legendary Sands Motel & Resort, the beachfront Summer Sands Motel, and even MT Bottle, a 22,000 square foot bar/club on the Island.

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The businesses were completely run hands-on by the Tenaglias themselves. The hospitality bug was still biting as the family invested in a 20-acre 21 room Inn & Restaurant (Inn At Sawmill Farm & Nonna's Restaurant) in West Dover, Vermont next to Mount Snow.  In 2014, The Jolly Roger Motel was proudly added as an iconic addition to this family history in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

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The Tenaglia Family is ever-growing and the next generation (the 3rd) is now showing the same excitement in promoting the family business and working to make it a magnificent experience. The Jolly Roger, with an extensive history since 1960 and a uniquely exciting character, holds its own VERY well. We are strongly investing in its improvements in a season-to-season plan with many improvements already underway for Upcoming Seasons!!!  

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The Tenaglias are diverse in their backgrounds but similar in their passion for customer service and satisfaction... Vincent completed a Marketing degree from Villanova University, Cindy has a Business Degree from Widener University, and Joseph graduated with an Economics degree from Villanova University undergrad followed by a J.D. Law Degree from Villanova University School of Law.  With a family history of parents immigrating from Italy in about 1960 with nothing but dreams in their hearts & hopes for a growing successful future in a new country, the consistent understanding to give their guests the best possible experience is ever present and always respected. It is openly evident from the moment you walk into our front lobby doors!