Fisherman’s Catch of Wells unveils plans to reel in more customers with expansion

WELLS, Maine — The sign at the entrance of Fisherman’s Catch reads, “Closed for the season. See you in May. Winter well.”

Ned Cardinali, the owner of the popular seafood restaurant at 134 Harbor Road, hopes to winter well too, as he seeks approval from the town’s Planning Board for his expansion plans.

On Monday, Nov. 6, Cardinali appeared before the board with his proposal to build a new deck that would expand seating at the restaurant. The board unanimously accepted the site plan pre-application and scheduled a site walk at the restaurant and its surroundings for Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8 a.m.

Senior project manager Robert McSorley, of Sebago Technics, represented Cardinali at the meeting. McSorley said the proposal calls for a new, 1,257-square-foot deck off the back of the existing restaurant. The new deck would include restrooms and more than 50 new seats for patrons.

The application also seeks to build a 16-foot-by-16-foot addition, as well as more parking spaces to accommodate the additional number of diners the restaurant would be able to welcome.

A sketch plan for the project also shows a two-family dwelling unit that may be built in the future.

“It’s not proposed at this moment,” McSorley told the board.

Gravy runs out: Wells restaurant to shut down a year after making move from Somersworth

Currently, the restaurant is approved for 52 indoor seats and 33 outdoor seats underneath a tent the restaurant has up between May 1 and Nov. 1. The food truck associated with the restaurant adds another 18 outdoor seats.

In all, that’s 103 seats for which Fisherman’s Catch is currently approved. If the Planning Board gives the proposed expansion a green light, the restaurant would have 155 seats.

The plan reflects a recently approved swap of land that is served by public sewer and public water, according to town documents. The property is located within the General Business District and is entirely within the 250-foot Shoreland Overlay District.

Fisherman’s Catch opened in 1982. Over the years, the restaurant has been featured in several publications, including Yankee Magazine, Coastal Living Magazine, and Boston Magazine. The eatery is known for hosting live entertainment for diners to enjoy.

FOTOGO: The new grab-and-go vending spot in Wells with an 'Instagram-able Wall'

During an interview on Nov. 7, Cardinali said the proposed project does not have a set timeline, given the permitting process ahead. He did say the project will not be completed for the 2024 season.

“We’re very excited,” he said of his plans for the restaurant.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Fisherman’s Catch hopes to expand with new deck in Wells, Maine