PORT TOWNSEND — Posh will give way to casual on Point Hudson, made clear by renovations now under way that will turn the landmark T’s Restaurant into Doc’s Marina Grill Port Townsend.
The work began April 21 in preparation for a projected opening mid-June.
“We’re getting to know Port Townsend,” said owner Tom Aydelotte of Bainbridge Island.cq
“And we’ve gotten a very warm reception so far.”
The restaurant’s opening depends on permit acquisition and the renovation schedule.
Aydelotte (pronounced “ate-a-lot”) was one of two bidders for the space, edging out Kris Nelson, who owns Siren’s Pub and the Galatea Cafe in Port Townsend, where she also is a City Council member.
He has owned and operated Doc’s Marina Grill in Bainbridge Island for nine years, and expects the new restaurant to be similar — at least at first.
“We’ll start with the same menu, which is casual, comfortable food, and then adjust it to learn what the customers want in Port Townsend,” Aydelotte said.
“I also look forward to getting access to some of the great produce that is locally grown in Jefferson County.”
Once he has lined up these sources, Aydelotte may serve some of that produce in the Bainbridge location.
Renovations will change the appearance of the restaurant.
T’s booths in the center of the dining room have been removed to make the room appear more spacious.
A door will be built directly from the kitchen to the deck so food can be brought out to diners without having to go through the bar.
The banquet room will be turned into “a cigar room with no cigars,” with comfortable leather chairs and a TV, Aydelotte said.
Hours haven’t been determined, but Aydelotte is shooting for a 10 a.m. opening and 11 p.m. closing.
This is later than most restaurants in Port Townsend.
“Some people might say that the market won’t support opening later, but once the [public] knows something is available, they adjust,” he said.
Breakfast will not be served, except on special occasions.
“The Point Hudson Cafe does a great job with breakfast,” he said of the restaurant next door.
“Although we’ll do [breakfasts on] Mother’s Day and other times when it is an excuse to get people to drink champagne.”
Aydelotte, who is living on his boat in Port Townsend while the renovation continues, is excited about the new opportunity.
“It’s a wonderful location,” he said.
“We learned this in Bainbridge — how to create a local place where the community feels comfortable year-round, and we can accommodate the thousands of tourists who come in during the summer.
“It’s a unique skill to make lots of people happy.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
