Dan and Eileen Miller, who own East Boothbay’s Ocean Point Marina and Damariscotta’s Ocean Point Furniture, have purchased the Lobsterman’s Wharf Inn and Restaurant in East Boothbay and opened it for the 2015 season.
The restaurant’s previous owner, Bill Murphy, is teaching the Millers the ropes as they begin their first year with the restaurant, according to Eileen Miller. During Murphy’s seven years of running Lobsterman’s Wharf, he improved the kitchen, rebuilt the roof, replaced the piling systems and some kitchen equipment, and built a new deck just this year.
Dan and Eileen Miller live in Bremen, but an apartment in Boothbay and their ownership of Ocean Point Marina give them a strong connection to the community. Though the couple has no prior involvement in the restaurant business, they have hosted events at the marina. Dan Miller said they were drawn to Lobsterman’s Wharf because of its proximity to the marina.
The Millers plan to keep the current menu, which includes ribs, chicken, and several shellfish options, though they intend to develop a pub menu for customers to order from after 9 p.m.
Dan and Eileen Miller hired much of last year’s staff, including Head Chef Pat Collins; however, they’re still looking for additional staff members. The couple plans on entertaining with jazz on Sunday afternoons. Eileen Miller said she is looking into hiring a jazz band that regularly played at the restaurant years ago.
Lobsterman’s Wharf Inn and Restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Tuesday at 224 Ocean Point Road in East Boothbay. For more information, call 633-3443 or visit www.lobstermanswharf.com.
