Cape Cod Restaurant News – March 2010

As we approach the start of 2010 season, a number of changes involving Cape Cod restaurants have been completed or are in the works. Here’s a sample of some of the changes:

Barnstable

HYANNIS - Bud’s Place at 959 Bearses Way is under new ownership. Late last month the Barnstable Licensing Authority approved the license transfers to the new owner House of Bud, Inc., Candace Chambers, Manager. According to their Facebook page, the 99 seat eatery and nightclub has been renamed House of Bud’s. In addition to the popular live entertainment and Karaoke, an expanded menu and an increased assortment of beverage selections will be offered.

HYANNIS -A new version of the the Burger King on North Street in Hyannis is under consideration. In a recent Site Plan Review hearing LBK, LLC (Lessee for Burger King) outlined a proposal to demolish the existing Burger King restaurant with drive-through and two drive-up windows and replace it with a new Burger King restaurant with drive-through and two drive-up windows. As proposed, the new restaurant will decrease the number of seats and result in no intensification of the use or structure. The project will require Planning Board approval to continue a nonconforming use (e.g, drive through).

HYANNIS - According to The Barnstable Patriot, on March 29, 2010 the Barnstable Licensing Authority will consider an application for Timmy B’s a year-round food, drink and entertainment establishment at 415 Main Street in Downtown Hyannis. Restaurants at the iconic former sea captain’s home have included The Asa Bearse House, The Ocean Grill and The Blue Room, Asa Grill, and Grille 16 at Asa Bearse House.

Falmouth

FALMOUTH - Citing the need for more seating, function space and more favorable lease terms, the popular Villaggio Italian Ristorante & Martini Bar will be relocating to the Falmouth Inn. The restaurant was established at 188 Main Street  in 2005 in the corner building previously occupied by Carmine’s. The final day at the former location was on Valentine’s Day. The new restaurant will also feature a new name and will open in mid-April or mid-May.

FALMOUTH - The Nobska House Restaurant at 327 Gifford Street next to The Coonamesset Inn is among the newest eateries in town. Over the years the restaurant has been home to Sorrento Cafe, Trabica, and for many years The Grasmere Pub.

FALMOUTH -Following the recent sale of the Mashnee Island Grill property, Quohog Republic Dive Bar will set up a new pub at the Falmouth Trade Center on Springs Bars Road, behind the Wal-Mart. The inline retail space was formerly occupied by Margo’s and Winston’s. According to the owner Erik Bevans, the new 50-60 seat pub is slated to open in mid April 2010 and will feature local and regional talent on weekends. The Quohog Republic beachfront bar was a local favorite for many during the twelve years it operated at the Mashnee Island Grill property on Phinney’s Harbor.

NORTH FALMOUTH - The Talk of the Town Diner and Talk of the Town Restaurant on North Falmouth Hwy. (Route 28A) in North Falmouth have both been replaced with new establishments. In January 2010, in separate hearings Selectmen granted new licenses to the establishments doing business as Baccari’s Diner at 362 North Falmouth Hwy. and Cape Cod Iggy, Inc. at 444 North Falmouth Hwy.

Mashpee

MASHPEE - A new restaurant called Starfish is planned for the restaurant space formerly occupied by Heather and Simmer at South Cape Village. According to a recent article in The Falmouth Enterpise the new seafood restaurant will be established by William Zammer, Jr. and David G. Mugar, of Cape Cod Restaurants, Inc.  The year-round restaurant will open in mid April 2010 and is likely to be well received.

Orleans

ORLEANS -In mid February the Orleans Board of Selectmen held a licensing hearing on the transfer of the All Alcohol Common Victualer License associated with Hunan Gourmet at 255 Cranberry Highway. The 99-seat restaurant is located in a 3,600 square foot retail unit in Bayberry Plaza (Underground Mall).

Provincetown

PROVINCETOWN - According to a website posting by Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers, LLC the the auction of the property at 85-87 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA has been postponed to April 13, 2010. The multi-faceted property known for many years as Clem & Ursie’s, is described in the announcement as “36,430± sf of land improved by a 5,185 sf restaurant incl. bar, fish mkt, takeout & ice cream, mult. dining areas inside & out, 3 kitchens, seating for 150+, lots of parking (newly paved), zoning Gen’l/Comm’l.”

Wellfleet

SOUTH WELLFLEET - After much anticipation PB Boulangerie Bistro opened for business earlier this month. The opening includes the bakery portion with plans to possibly open the dining section as soon as next month. In addition to fresh pastries, croissants, and a variety of fresh breads baked daily, the new bistro will offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. According to their website, ”Chef Philippe Rispoli and Baker Boris Villatte have brought the French tradition of baking and cooking to today’s contemporary living. Both are natives of France, coming from Lyon and Lorraine.” Initial reviews are positive for the baked goods described as being ”amazingly good” and putting us “in bread heaven“. All baked goods are prepared on the premises at this ”authentic French bakery and restaurant.” The property formerly comprised a clam shack for many years. In July 2009, the vacant property was acquired from its long time owners and has since been extensively renovated and converted to the 60-seat bistro. The property is located east of State Hwy./Route 6 at the intersection of (#15) Lecount Hollow Rd., and near the northernmost trailhead of Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike path) extended from Brewster to South Wellfleet in 2007. Lecount Hollow Road is the main access route to Lecount Hollow Beach located on the east.

WELLFLEET – Selectmen will hold a public hearing on March 23, 2010 to consider the request from D’Italia’s Restaurant, LLC to transfer the Annual, All Alcohol License to Falcone’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. D’Italia’s Restaurant is located at 955 State Road (Route 6).

Yarmouth

WEST YARMOUTH - Despite getting the green light from the Yarmouth Board of Appeals in September 2009, plans to redevelop the former Friendly’s at the corner of Higgins Crowell Road and Route 28 in West Yarmouth, MA have not moved forward to a major degree since September 2009. The proposal calls for razing and replacing of the existing restaurant structure with a 9,700 square foot CVS pharmacy with general sales and with drive through windows for prescription drop off and pick up.

SOUTH YARMOUTH – Yarmouth Lodge 2270 Loyal Order of Moose, Inc. is making strides in their plans to acquire Christopher’s Restaurant at 769 Route 28 in South Yarmouth. Christopher’s is permitted for a maximum occupancy of 382, one of the highest occupancies among restaurants on Cape Cod. Once the sale is finalized, the non-profit organization intends relocate activities from their current facility located nearby at 832 Route 28. The lodge will reconfigure the interior to include a ballroom, bar area, and main assembly room. The center of the facility will continue to comprise kitchen and office space, and few structural changes are planned.

The recently renovated two level building has 4,560 square feet of GBA and is sited on a .64 acre lot offering a prominent location with multiple curb cuts and excellent signage.

The May 2009 transfer equated to a price of approximately $166 per square foot of GBA. Coastal Community Capital  arranged the financing through the Bank of Cape Cod .

The year round restaurant was built in the early to mid 1930′s as the first Howard Johnson’s  franchise in the US. In the years that followed and until about 2005 the restaurant was the well known Fog Cutter Restaurant.

File Photo: The former Fog Cutter

The National Restaurant Association hailed the passage of this “side order” provision extending the current 15-year depreciation schedule for improvements made to restaurant buildings in 2008 and 2009, and for new restaurant construction in 2009. 

According to Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “A faster, more accurate depreciation schedule has a direct impact on a restaurant’s bottom line. By shortening the depreciation schedule to 15 years, Congress has given operators cash flow to reinvest in their businesses, allowing them to grow and add more restaurant jobs.”