Saquatucket Snack Shack Awarded to Single Bidder

Saquatucket Harbor, Harwichport

HARWICH – The Harwich Board of Selectmen has awarded the newly constructed snack shack on Saquatucket Harbor to Dockside Seafood LLC, who was also the only -bidder for the 500 square foot waterfront property.

The board as well as Harbor Master John Rendon have said that the dockside meets the service requirements which focus around food service, management, staff and menu quality.

As well as receiving the second highest rating on price from the evaluation team that was comprised of the town administrator, interim town administrator, director of natural resources, among others.

“We went for quality first, price second. The good news is (The Dockside) met on both measures,” said Town Administrator Christopher Clark.

The town granted a 5 year lease, with the option for five additional years. The time frame is longer than the traditional three year lease.

This was attributed the sizable investment needed to be made to furnish the kitchen.

The lease is accompanied by either seven percent of the gross annual receipts or $24,000. If renewed after five years, those numbers increase to eight percent of gross annual receipts or 32,000 dollars.

“The overall bid amounts were above the threshold, for the first five years it was 18,000”, said Clark.

The low amount of bids for the property was a concern for some on the board. The prospect of the public not being aware of the property was a concern.

“I know a couple of local people that weren’t even aware that the bid was out”, said selectmen Don Howell.

The strict food requirements required by the town were also brought up as a deterrent for possible bidders.

Dockside Seafood will be required to offer lobster rolls, clam chowder, various fried foods, hot dogs, burgers, bacon, sausage, eggs, sandwiches, healthy low calorie options, cold and hot drinks, and ice cream.

“I questioned the ability for somebody to maintain, because there is always waste in food products. I thought the bid proposal with the menu requirements was going to inexorably lead to a higher percentage of wastage”, said Howell.

The owner of Dockside Seafood is currently applying for a beer and wine license with the town of Harwich and already has one from a restaurant located in Newport Rhode island.

The snack shack is hoping to be open by May 31^st.