Longtime Cape Cod restaurant owner says goodbye after 50 years

A longtime Cape Cod seafood restauranter is hanging it up.

Owner Nathan “Nick” Nickerson is selling Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham, he announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“After 50 wonderful and successful years, the time has come for me to sell Arnolds Lobster and Clam Bar,” Nickerson wrote.

The award-winning seasonal restaurant, inspired by the 1950s diner “Arnold’s” from hit sitcom “Happy Days,” is billed as an “all-in-one family destination spot.” The property, located near the Cape Cod Rail Trail, includes an 18-hole mini golf course and ice cream stand. In 2019, the restaurant made national news for discovering a rare blue lobster.

“It is difficult to put into words what Arnolds has meant to me and my family,” Nickerson wrote. “What began as Arnolds Drive-In grew into something far greater than I ever imagined, and that would never have happened without our loyal customers and dedicated employees.”

The restaurant is described, in part, by Tripadvisor as follows:

Arnold’s seafood is so fresh, any fisherman would approve. Native lobster, local raw bar, cocktails, fried and baked seafood, lobster rolls, salads, an extensive children’s menu, gourmet ice cream, and mini golf. Arnold’s owner is Nathan “Nick” Nickerson, a true Cape Cod native and Mayflower descendant. Nick grew up surrounded by the sea and worked on farms and with family in Cape Cod restaurants.

In his goodbye post, Nickerson thanked his employees for their “hard work, patience, loyalty, and friendship.”

“You stood beside me through the busiest summer days, long lines and all the pressures that come with serving the public,” he wrote. “Arnold’s success belongs to you as much as it does anyone.”

Nickerson also thanked his customers for returning year after year.

Comments were turned off on the goodbye post, so customers reacted on the restaurant’s Facebook post in March announcing the 50th anniversary.

“I am going to miss you guys, thank you for the endless fun. Arnolds will always have a piece in my heart. I can’t believe the news,” wrote Tristan Babineau.

Patrons shared the following fond memories of the restaurant when commenting on the March post:

“I have been present at Arnold’s for most of those 50 years. My Dad, a lifelong Cape Codder, absolutely loved Arnold’s,” wrote Paula Alden Grisham.

“There are on our honeymoon 43 years ago. Went back for our 40th…. How it’s grown! Best chowda ever,” wrote Joann Durante.

“So many memories made here! Love you all!” wrote Betsy Bianchi.

Wrote Nickerson during his goodbye post, “I’ve been blessed beyond measure. Although this is the end of an extraordinary chapter for me, the memories and friendships I have made will remain in my heart forever. Thank you for 50 unforgettable years.”

The business posted the following video this year in celebration of its 50th anniversary:

Nickerson did not immediately return a request for comment.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.