Today we’d like to introduce you to Will O’Connell and Mary-Kate Horgan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Will and Mary-Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m Will O’Connell and I am the Senior Vice President of Marina Bay Management. At Marina Bay, we own and operate a number of restaurants on the South Shore, including The WATERCLUB here in Quincy, which I’ve been the General Manager of since 2004.
I started working at Marina Bay, bussing tables as a teenager and bartending through college and grad school. My uncle gave me the chance to start managing and taught me the operational and financial side of the restaurant business. Thanks to his support, I found a passion for hospitality and the food and beverage industry, which led me to become one of the largest restaurateurs in the state.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! I love the challenge, too much, to be honest. When you are given an opportunity, you must seize the moment and take advantage of it. I’ve been given many opportunities, but the challenge is to take an opportunity, sometimes unwanted and making the most of it. Nothing always goes as planned and not having an alternate airport or two to land at when problems arise can be a businessman or woman’s worst nightmare. When I first started in management I found it took a few years to foster relationships with patrons, staff, and vendors. As the new kid on the block, I had to earn their respect through honesty and hard work. I pride myself on being a man of my word which has allowed me to create a great staff, partnerships with industry vendors and a loyal group of patrons and guests.
WATERCLUB Marina Bay – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The WATERCLUB is a two-story waterfront bar/restaurant with spectacular views of Boston. We operate seasonally and host a nightclub Fridays – Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We’re also a fully-staffed, year-round event facility for private and corporate engagements. The summertime music and bustling excitement at our waterfront bar have made The WATERCLUB a favorite spot on the boardwalk. Whether it’s an afternoon out with friends and family, a bite to eat during a lunch break, or partaking in a relaxing day of sipping cocktails and people watching, The WATERCLUB has an atmosphere that caters to all! Our delicious food, signature collection of cocktails and stellar service are unmatched!
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
My father has pushed me for as long as I can remember. He’s taught me to always do the right thing and he, more than anyone, keeps me focused. My Uncle gave me my first business opportunity and taught me that education can never be taken from you. My boss and cousin Tom, has allowed me to grow as a businessman and reminds me every day to surround myself with people better than me. Most importantly, I have a great staff who works with me year-round. In the off season, we are training staff, creating product mixes, preparing menus, watching trends, tweaking what worked from the year before and what did not …. We take those learning, sharpen our approach and are ready to go by the time Spring arrives.
Contact Info:
- Address: 319 Victory Road, N. Quincy MA
- Website: http://www.waterclubmarinabay.com
- Phone: 617-328-6500
- Email: info@waterclubmarinabay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterclubmarinabay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWATERCLUBMarinaBay/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WaterclubMB?lang=en
Image Credit:
Dan Urbano
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
