CAVENDISH, P.E.I. - When choosing a name for their new restaurant in Cavendish, Miranda Ellis and Jamie Newson wanted to pay tribute to everyone who helped them along the way.
“All of our friends, family and staff. The Ship’s Company means crew. And, we would never be able to do this without our crew,” said Ellis, owner of The Ship’s Company Pub and Galley, which is expected to open in one of the newly constructed buildings at Mariner’s Cove Boardwalk in early June.
The couple previously ran the Lost Anchor in Cavendish, but Ellis explained their increased popularity and need for more space motivated the move to the boardwalk.
The restaurant is one of several new tenants at the boardwalk since work to construct two new buildings and renovate two others began in the fall.
“We’ve had a very busy winter,” said Matthew Jelley, president of Maritime Fun Group.
“We’ve had a great group of contractors and staff working on site. We’ve been here every working day since mid-September. And, we’re excited with the progress we’ve made and we’re excited to get these businesses open and get people ready for the new season.”
Other new tenants include Designs by Lisa Drader-Murphy, Island Life Apparel Co., BeaverTails, Red Island Baked Potato and Let’s Get Nauti Home Décor. A new car wash is also under construction, while Cocoon at the Beach Spa is relocating to a larger and newly constructed space, said Jelley.
This week, crews were working at the site to prepare for the upcoming season.
Jelley explained that Crossfire Adventure Paintball is already open, while Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Mariner’s Cove and Wax World are opening Victoria Day weekend (May 26-28). The remaining businesses will open by mid-June.
The BeaverTails at the boardwalk is one of three new locations in Cavendish. Jelley said it will offer pastry and poutine while the other two locations - at the Sunset Boardwalk and at Shining Waters Family Fun Park - will offer ice cream made on site in addition to the other products.
For Ellis, the new restaurant has about four times more space than the previous spot. The location has hardwood floors, high ceilings, new equipment and seating for 60 people in the dining area. In back is a large patio for customers with an awning. Ellis estimates the patio will seat up to 80 customers.
As well, the bar has eight taps (six Molson products and two from Upstreet Craft Brewing).
The larger space has also allowed Ellis increase staff from 15 to 33 and offer live entertainment on weekends. And, even though the restaurant is licensed, Ellis wants it to be family-friendly.
“It’s fresh. It’s big. It’s clean. And, we’re just really excited to be on the property.”
