Baxter’s Boathouse has been a Cape Cod tradition since 1967. Fantastic cocktails and a delicious menu along with the beautiful views has made a trip to Baxter’s a must do summer event for those who live or visit the Cape.
Samantha Mulcahy, General Manager of Baxter’s Boathouse, has been with the company for 19 years. She loves her job because everyone is happy to be there. “You walk through and everyone is enjoying themselves,” said Mulcahy. It’s true that the seaside spot holds a special place for many people. “Every customer has their own story. People tell us they had their first date here. We’ve had engagements here. It’s fun being a part of the secrecy and helping to set it up.”
The prominent Hyannis Harbor location has been in the Baxter family since 1919. Benjamin Baxter, Jr, the son of a Cape Cod sea captain, began operating the location as a fish packing location almost 100 years ago. In the 1930s, Benjamin’s brother, Warren, added a fish market to the location. Following World War II, the brothers decided to split the property. Warren continued its use as a fish market and Benjamin moved to another location where he sold fuel and off loaded fishing vessels. In 1957, Warren’s wife began selling fried fish at the fish market. On July 4th, 1967, Baxter’s Boathouse as we know it opened to the public.
For many, the Baxter’s family business has become a family tradition. “Because I’ve been here for 19 seasons, I’ve been lucky enough to get to know so many people and see kids grow up. They start out coming to the fish and chips side, then they come in with their friends when they’re older. It’s neat that Baxter’s is so special to so many people,” said Mulcahy.
To celebrate 50 seasons of serving the Cape Cod community, Baxter’s Boathouse has cooked up a way to give back and reward loyal customers. Throughout the summer, Baxter’s has offered commemorative Baxter Boathouse Membership Cards. The funds raised through these card will be donated to local charities. Everyone who purchases a card will be invited to the 50th anniversary party featuring Michael Gabriel and The Slackers not to mention award winning food and drinks. In addition, everyone who buys a membership will be entered in a drawing to win $10,000.
“The idea actually came from our customers,” said General Manager Samantha Mulcahy, “Last year with our 50th anniversary coming up our customers started asking us what we were going to do. We wanted to give back to the community. It was a lofty goal, so we’re so excited that we going to be able to fulfill that. We came up with the idea of the membership card idea so we’re doing it together with our customers.”
So far this summer, Baxter’s has donated to various charities on Cape Cod such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands, The Joe Cronin Memorial Fishing Tournament for The Jimmy Fund, Cape Abilities, Child & Family Services of Cape Cod Christmas Fund, NoticeAbility, Best Buddies of Massachusetts, The Glenna Kohl Fund for Hope, Genesis Fund Fall Classic, Blue Coats of Barnstable, Operation One Voice, Miles for Melanoma. There will be more donations to be made to reach the $50,000 mark.
For more information on purchasing a 50th Anniversary Membership Card contact Baxter’s Boathouse today.
By Rebecca Romo, Lifestyle Reporter CapeCod.com
About Rebecca Romo
