Atlantic City’s Orange Loop continues to prove that the city’s future extends well beyond the casino floor.
One of the most exciting projects currently taking shape is the AC Container Park, an innovative outdoor destination being developed on a vacant lot at 1400 Pacific Avenue in the heart of the Orange Loop on Tennessee Avenue. Built from repurposed shipping containers, the project will combine local food vendors, retail, art, community gathering spaces, and even urban agriculture into a one-of-a-kind destination unlike anything else currently found in Atlantic City.
The Container Park represents another major investment in the ongoing revitalization of the Orange Loop, an area that has steadily evolved into a vibrant dining, nightlife, and entertainment district.
Much of that transformation has been led by local entrepreneur Mark Callazzo, whose vision for the neighborhood has helped reshape Tennessee Avenue over the past several years. Through businesses including Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, The Iron Room, Isabella’s Pizza and Kitchen, and Bar 32 Chocolate, Callazzo has played a significant role in creating a walkable district filled with independent restaurants, bars, and attractions. The AC Container Park is poised to become the next exciting chapter in that story. His partners in the venture are Adam Zengel, a former Director of Entertainment Operations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Paige Washington, an Atlantic City public school teacher.
“This project has all the makings of true community-forward thinking with affordable spaces for small business owners and fresh local food, goods and services for everyone,” Washington told South Jersey Food Scene.
Perhaps most exciting for food lovers is the announcement of the park’s first restaurant tenants.
Vegans Are Us is making a welcome return to Atlantic City. Owned by Sharonda Harris-Bunton and Darren Bunton, the popular vegan comfort food concept has earned a loyal following for dishes that prove plant-based food can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort classics. Guests can expect favorites such as creamy vegan mac and cheese, hearty plant-based cheesesteaks, smoky BBQ jackfruit, and other flavorful creations designed to appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.
Joining them will be Wanna Kabob?, owned by Atlantic City residents Ashley and Andre Coulter. Known for their creative street food and infectious positive energy, Wanna Kabob? has become much more than a food business—they’ve built a reputation for supporting their community while serving innovative dishes that keep customers coming back.
While the food will undoubtedly draw visitors, the vision for the AC Container Park extends far beyond dining. The development is designed as a true community gathering place where residents and visitors alike can shop with local vendors, experience public art, relax in shared outdoor spaces, and enjoy programming that brings people together. Repurposing shipping containers into thriving small businesses also gives entrepreneurs an affordable opportunity to establish themselves while creating an environment full of creativity and personality.
Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful redevelopment can transform underutilized spaces into destinations that benefit both residents and visitors. Rather than simply adding another commercial development, the AC Container Park is being designed to foster community, celebrate local businesses, and continue building momentum for Atlantic City’s downtown renaissance.
The Orange Loop has quickly become one of New Jersey’s most exciting neighborhoods for dining, craft beverages, live entertainment, and nightlife. The addition of the AC Container Park only strengthens that momentum and gives visitors yet another reason to venture beyond the Boardwalk to discover everything this evolving district has to offer.
Construction is progressing, and while an official grand opening date has not yet been announced, the project is expected to debut sometime this summer.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the development and will share additional details as they become available.
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.