Blackbeard's Cave In Berkeley To Downsize After Difficult Years

BERKELEY, NJ — Blackbeard’s Cave Family Entertainment Center will downsize after years of financial difficulties. The business cited several obstacles it faced the past couple years but also said the coronavirus contributed to their struggles.

Contributing factors also included failing equipment, "insanely high" maintenance costs, taxes and rent on the portion of the park that's leased, they said Wednesday in a Facebook announcement.

But Blackbeard's ship hasn't sunk. The business will return next year on a smaller, more manageable section of land, they said.

The establishment will sell parts, equipment and trailers on the leased property by appointment only from Saturday through Sept. 30. Message them to make appointments.

But the Dark Carnival will open Oct. 2 with a haunted, open-air walkthrough in their creepy kiddie park, Blackbeard's Cave said. Details will follow.

Blackbeard's Cave has been a major proprietor of family fun in Berkeley, with outdoor activities such as batting cages, bumper boats and mini golf. But speculation about the business's future preceded the pandemic. Blackbeard's Cave Arcade, located in Bill's BBQ Shack, closed February 2019 after 25 years.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Coronavirus closures and precautions have created a difficult climate for many businesses in Berkeley and throughout. Berkeley Patch created a business directory where owners can tell their customers whether they're open or closed, and how the coronavirus has affected operations.

Read more: Berkeley Businesses: Open or Closed? Let Your Customers Know

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Berkeley Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.