For three days in March, Robinson’s Wharf was having a strong 2020. Then the coronavirus hit, and the popular Southport restaurant closed to dine-in eating, as did all other Maine restaurants. Robinson’s reopens for a second time on Wednesday, June 17 after a 105-day hiatus due to Gov. Janet Mills’ emergency declaration.

 

General Manager Rachel Leeman is excited about resuming operation at a business known for having a spirited atmosphere. “I’ve missed my staff and customers. We all have a lot of fun here, and I can’t wait to get started,” she said.  

 

Mills issued her four-stage plan for reopening the Maine economy in May. Stage 2 allows for dine-in restaurants to reopen in June. Leeman decided Robinson’s Wharf would reopen mid-month to allow her staff to better prepare for new state COVID-19-related health guidelines.

 

“We’ve been busy preparing for the reopening,” she said. Under the changes, patrons can order drinks at the bar, but can’t congregate. Menus will be disposable or electronic. Robinson’s Wharf will have QR (quick response) codes allowing patrons to view menus or pay their bills on their smartphones. Cutlery will be either silverware or plastic. Restrooms will be reduced from four to one, and cleaned every half hour. And tables will be sanitized after each patron leaves. 

 

While the reopening won’t be business as usual, it will at least be business, which is a welcome sight to Leeman and Robinson’s Wharf’s 50 employees. The restaurant has a large outdoor area so Leeman believes they can provide service to a large crowd despite the distancing requirements. “There won’t be any corn hole or sitting in the large Adirondack chair, but we’re ready to serve great food in a great atmosphere in a sanitary dining experience,” she said. 

 

While the pandemic may be keeping people from traveling this spring and summer to the Boothbay region, Leeman believes she will still see plenty of familiar faces. “I’m an optimist. We have a lot of local people who come regularly. I’ve also received a lot of emails from tourists who are anxious to come and eat here. So I’m excited to get started and see my staff and customers. I’ve missed them and can’t wait to get back to work.”

 

Leeman isn’t the only employee receiving inquiries about when the restaurant reopens. Server Andrea Halinan has worked there 11 years, and has heard locals expressing how anxious they are for its reopening. “We’re getting emails asking us, and at the supermarket, people are in their masks asking ‘Hey Andrea, when are you opening up?’ (Robinson’s Wharf has) a fun, laid back atmosphere with good food and good music so I’m sure a lot of our friends will return this year,” she said.

 

Robinson’s is introducing a phone payment option to reduce personal contact between staff and customers. The restaurant is also encouraging more dockside service so patrons can be served right on their boat.

 

“We’ve done a little bit in the past, but this year we’re trying to do more of it. We are also serving cocktails to go, in a mason jar,” she said. “There is more work involved. So you got to make sure the cover is right and tight, and list all the ingredients on the jar.”

 

While the restaurant has implemented several changes, some staples remain. Lobsters delivered right off the boat continues, as will live music. “(Lobster) meat gets picked every day and I don’t know where you’d get it any fresher,” Leeman said.  In past years, the restaurant has served as many as 800 customers on Sundays. Leeman understands 2020 won't be a typical year and will impact the business’ bottom line. “I understand the challenges, but if we break even, I think it will be a pretty good season.”

 

Robinson’s Wharf is at 20 Hendricks Hill Road and is typically open March to December.