PORT TOWNSEND — Doc’s Marina Grill was selected by the Port of Port Townsend on Tuesday afternoon to take over the waterfront restaurant space that was the home of T’s Restaurant before it went out of business in December.
“We had two really good proposals,” said port Director Larry Crockett after a 30-minute executive session where staff presented the bids.
“But I think Doc’s was a better fit for the maritime environment.”
Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson, who owns and operates Sirens and The Galatea Cafe in downtown Port Townsend, also had submitted a proposal.
Will be called Doc’s
The restaurant will be known as Doc’s Marina Grill Port Townsend.
“The Bainbridge restaurant has a great reputation and has gotten a lot of good reviews,” said Deputy Port Director Jim Pivarnik.
“They want to take advantage of this and get some of the people from the Bainbridge boating community to come up here.”
Pivarnik said the lease will be $2,500 per month. The duration of the lease had not been determined as of Tuesday.
Commissioners Dave Thompson and Steve Tucker voted in favor of granting the lease to Doc’s, while Commissioner Leif Erickson was opposed.
“I thought that [Nelson’s] proposal and the interviews lined up for me,” Erickson said.
Crockett said both bidders had committed to opening this summer, but the exact date could not be nailed down because permits would be needed for renovations to the space.
Doc’s owner, Tom Aydelotte, wrote in his proposal that he wanted to add another door between the dining room and the deck, remove the center booths and install new booths along the exterior walls.
“Our vision is to create a fun and attentive atmosphere coupled with food that impresses but doesn’t burst the budget,” Aydelotte said.
‘Embrace’ local events, activities
“We intend to take advantage of the wealth of local products both from the land and the sea [and will] embrace and support local events and activities.”
Nelson proposed turning the restaurant into a “Euro family-style pub [with] English or Irish influences.
“The existing restaurant space would remain the restaurant for a fun family pub feel, something our town is lacking in.
“At Sirens on a daily basis, we are asked where people can go for a fun pub atmosphere with their families.”
Gary and Nancy Tocatlian operated T’s Restaurant for six years, the last three in the Port Hudson location.
At the restaurant’s closing, Gary Tocatlian said, “We did everything right, but then the economy crashed.”
“There was the perception that T’s was a fancy restaurant,” Pivarnik said.
“I think the new restaurant will take it down a notch and will be nothing fancy, just an affordable place with good food.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
