“Queen Anne’s County is within easy reach of major cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. This accessibility makes the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club a convenient destination for residents and travelers looking for a weekend getaway or special event venue. We are well-positioned to capitalize on this demand, driving business growth through increased bookings and revenue.”

– Dereck Janes, president and CEO of Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Since its establishment in 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club has considerably diversified and expanded its offerings to become one of the Eastern Shore’s most distinguished and visually captivating special event and wedding venues. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, the business in Stevensville, Maryland has evolved from a beachfront nightclub to a highly sought-after hospitality campus on a national level. This sizeable evolution showcases the significant progress that is possible in Queen Anne’s County.

After spending time as a marina developer along the East Coast, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club’s founder, the late John Wilson, discovered a coveted westward-facing piece of land along the bay to carry out his vision of a scenic waterfront venue with dynamic sunset views.

The nightclub’s accessibility from Route 50 and U.S. 301 made it an attractive location for visitors from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and beyond. By the early 2000s, the business expanded to include a restaurant, making the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club known as a destination for quality food, drink, and entertainment.

“Since our establishment in 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Queen Anne’s County has provided our business with numerous advantages and opportunities that contribute to our business growth and success.”

– Dereck Janes, president and CEO, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

With favorable business costs and Queen Anne’s County’s ample space, the business expanded its offerings by adding nine ballrooms, banquet spaces, meeting rooms, and a rooftop to accommodate the steady flow of guests. Through these spaces, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club grew its estate to 30,000 square feet and found its niche as a private space for weddings, business meetings, and other events.

The club acquired a nearby plot of land in one of the county’s Enterprise Zones to build The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.

For being established in an Enterprise Zone, the inn receives significant credits towards employment and property taxes. The substantial savings created through this program have allowed the business to construct a lodging space featuring fifty-four beautifully appointed guest rooms, a standalone farm-style building with eighteen additional guest accommodations, five detached private cottages, a chef’s kitchen garden, a splash pool, and a hops garden.

“The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club’s proximity to the Bay ensures stunning waterfront views and water activities and experiences. Overall, the setting of Queen Anne’s County adds value to our business by providing a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and local charm—making it an ideal destination for travelers, wedding couples, and corporate meeting planners.”

– Dereck Janes, president and CEO, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

The inn harnesses the unique advantages of the Eastern Shore’s natural food resources. Sourced partly from the many farmers and watermen in Queen Anne’s County, The Market—a gourmet café and marketplace located within the Inn—serves fresh, locally sourced small bites. Knoxie’s Table offers visitors a signature dining experience featuring high-quality, scratch-made, seasonal cuisine.

To further immerse guests in their experience, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club constructed a spa in the inn, using $300,000 in financial support from Queen Anne’s County’s Economic Development Incentive Funds. The Spa has added an extra amenity for guest, enriching their experience at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.

Beyond physical growth, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club has grown to employ 300 full- and part-time seasonal employees, leaning on the experienced hospitality staff living in the region. With new ventures, partnerships, and amenities on the horizon, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club has firmly staked its position in Queen Anne’s County’s growing hospitality industry.

“We want to continue growing from a reputation standpoint. I think the reputation of Kent Island and Queen Anne’s County and their transformation into a hospitality hub will bring more eyes to the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club and help us become a bigger player in the industry.”

– Carrie Simmons, vice president of strategy and brand development, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Looking to leverage Queen Anne’s County’s valuable resources, space, and support to help your business succeed? Click the links below to learn more.