OCEAN CITY — Long-time Eagle’s Landing food and beverage director Melanie Rhodes was feted with a special ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday.
Rhodes began her career at Eagle’s Landing in 1996 and for nearly 23 years has been the familiar face behind the counter at the municipal golf course’s food and beverage operation including the popular Caddy Shack. Her responsibilities at the golf course for over two decades have included ordering food and beverages, hiring and scheduling staff and running the daily operation, responsibilities she handled with aplomb. However, she will likely be most remembered for being the friendly face behind the counter and her outstanding daily menus and signature dishes.
“Mel has been the face of Eagle’s Landing, welcoming thousands of golfers each year with a warm smile,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “She has become a fixture at the golf course, providing fantastic service, great hospitality and the best crab cake, shrimp salad and Bloody Mary I have ever had.”
Meehan said Rhodes’ reputation over the years brought many golfers who were playing other courses in the area to Eagle’s Landing just to eat lunch. Meehan also said he once recruited Rhodes to represent the town in the annual Crab Soup Cook-Off and she won the competition on her first try.
“For years, we’ve heard nothing but great things about the quality of service at Eagle’s Landing,” he said. “You have been an asset to Eagles Landing and the town of Ocean City and we’re all happy for you. I know things will go on, but it will never be quite the same.”
Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito agreed Rhodes will be sorely missed at the municipal golf course.
“She has been the face of Eagle’s Landing for years and not just the face of the food and beverage operation, but the face of the golf course,” she said. “The staff loves you, the golfers love and we all love you, and we wish you the best in your retirement.”
For her part, Rhodes said she enjoyed just about every minute of her nearly 23 years running the food and beverage operation at Eagle’s Landing. She said her plans for retirement include spending more time with family and friends including her grandchildren.
“I thank God, town officials and my co-workers for the opportunity to have enjoyed my career,” she said. “It never felt like work because I have always loved my job and the people I work with each day. I am very thankful for such a wonderful career here.”
