Episode 2 of The AC Mike Show Podcast Has Landed: Evan Sanchez on Building Atlantic City One Block at a Time

Hey Folks,

There are a lot of people talking about Atlantic City. Then there are the people rolling up their sleeves every single day and actually helping build its future.

That’s exactly why I wanted Evan Sanchez to join me for Episode 2 of The AC Mike Show Podcast.

Evan isn’t just talking about revitalization—he’s living it. As one of the driving forces behind the Orange Loop, Heyday Coffee, Cardinal, and Authentic City Partners, he’s been helping reshape Atlantic City one project, one business, and one neighborhood at a time.

I’ve known Evan for years, dating back to when five casinos had closed and many people were wondering if Atlantic City’s best days were behind us. While plenty of people were hitting the panic button, Evan and others were investing their time, talent, and resources because they believed in something bigger.

That’s the kind of conversation we had on this episode.

What We Talked About

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that Atlantic City’s comeback isn’t going to happen because of one massive project. It’s happening because hundreds of people are making thousands of decisions to invest in this city every day.

We talked about how the Orange Loop began with developer’s like Mark Callazzo, Pat Fasano, John Longacre, Evan and few others, who by the way will hopefully be join us in the future on the Podcast, so back to the Orange Loop it was a handful of businesses and a simple vision: create a neighborhood where people want to walk, explore, eat, shop, grab a coffee, enjoy live music, and spend time with family and friends.

Evan explained how projects like Hayday Coffee, Cardinal, and the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall weren’t built overnight. They were built through years of persistence, partnerships, and a belief that Atlantic City could once again become a vibrant city by the sea.

We also discussed why supporting local businesses matters so much. Every new restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, apartment, and neighborhood improvement creates momentum that encourages even more investment.

Another topic that really resonated with me was the importance of community. We talked about the role of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, public murals, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and local residents who continue making a difference every day. Sometimes it’s not the billion-dollar projects that change a city—it’s the people who simply refuse to give up on it.

Evan also shared why Atlantic City’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. From incredible international restaurants to local entrepreneurs and artists, it’s those authentic experiences that make people want to come back again and again.

If you’ve listened to my radio show on WOND 1400 over the years, you know I’ve always believed Atlantic City is about much more than casinos. It’s about neighborhoods, history, culture, great food, entertainment, and the people who call these 48 blocks home. This conversation reinforces exactly that.

One Thing We Both Agree On

Atlantic City certainly has challenges—but we also have incredible opportunities.

As Evan said during our conversation, “Optimists get stuff done.”

That mindset is exactly what this podcast is about: highlighting the people who are helping move our community forward.

Something BIG Is Coming…

Now for a little teaser…

My team and I have just confirmed a very high-profile guest for an upcoming episode of The AC Mike Show Podcast.

I’m keeping the name a secret for now because I want the announcement to be a surprise—but trust me, this is someone you’re going to want to hear from.

The only way to make sure you don’t miss that episode is to SUBSCRIBE HERE TODAY!.

As soon as we can reveal who it is, subscribers will be the first to know.

Listen, Watch & Subscribe

Whether you live here, visit often, or simply love Atlantic City, I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation.

Click here to watch Episode 2 and subscribe to The AC Mike Show Podcast.

Your subscription helps us continue bringing you conversations with the people, businesses, entertainers, athletes, and community leaders who make South Jersey such a special place.

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See you on the 48

AC Mike