Cape Cod Gets Coastal Hospitality At Its Finest

News

Sep 21

Coastal Hospitality is quickly becoming a major player in the Cape Cod restaurant scene. This new restaurant group manages five distinct establishments: Chatham Cut, Pates, The Doghouse, One Stop Market, and Chapin’s Bayside. At the heart of this thriving enterprise is Michael Martir, CEO and Managing Partner, whose vision and leadership have driven the group’s success. What sets Coastal Hospitality apart from other restaurant groups isn’t just its diverse culinary offerings or exceptional customer service but its unwavering commitment to the people behind the scenes—the employees.

out of the doghouse

Martir acquired The Doghouse in Dennis Port in 2019, transforming the classic Cape Cod hot dog stand into an Instagramable bucket list destination. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic fare, The Doghouse was always a local favorite.

Martir saw the potential to take it to the next level. Drawing on his 30 years of experience in the fine dining industry, Martir set out to revamp the restaurant’s menu and operations. He introduced more sophisticated flavors while maintaining the casual charm that made the place special. He overhauled the operations, streamlining everything from food preparation to customer service.

Efficiency became a priority, with new processes ensuring that both the kitchen and front-of-house staff worked together seamlessly. Martir believed that an organized, cohesive team was essential to running a successful restaurant, and he worked hard to foster a culture of teamwork and communication.

a new group

In 2023, Martir partnered with fellow restaurateurs Tom Johnson, Dan McLaughlin, and Jim Peterson to acquire additional properties, each with its own unique appeal. This collaboration resulted in the formation of Coastal Hospitality, which now manages five distinct restaurants, each offering something different to Cape Cod residents and visitors alike. For Martir, the decision to lead Coastal Hospitality wasn’t just about expanding the business or acquiring new properties. Instead, it was fueled by a deep-seated belief that success in the hospitality industry hinges on taking care of employees.

The merger allowed the group to expand and prioritize employee benefits on a broader scale. He has long believed that a happy, well-supported workforce is the foundation of any successful restaurant. By focusing on employee well-being, Coastal Hospitality fostered a positive workplace culture that extends beyond the restaurants’ walls, benefiting both the employees and the local community.

For the People

In an industry known for its fast-paced, high-pressure environment, Coastal Hospitality ensures that its employees receive more than just a paycheck. Martir's leadership philosophy is centered on providing competitive wages, retirement plans, wellness programs, and a supportive, inclusive work environment. This focus on employee welfare is rare in the hospitality world and is the driving force behind Coastal Hospitality's rapid growth and success. Beyond improving the lives of its employees, Coastal Hospitality is also focused on giving back to the local Cape Cod area. The group regularly supports local charities and initiatives, further strengthening its ties to the community.

Five ways to dine Down Cape

While each restaurant under the Coastal Hospitality umbrella maintains its individuality, the common thread that runs through them all is a commitment to excellence—not just in terms of food and service, but in the way the staff is treated. Martir’s leadership has instilled a sense of pride and ownership in every employee, from kitchen staff to servers, and this is reflected in the high level of service customers receive. In addition, acting as a united front the restaurant group can pressure suppliers for the best prices possible, and pass that savings on to consumers.

Coastal Hospitality’s five restaurants cater to a wide range of dining experiences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone on Cape Cod.

• Chatham Cut is known for its upscale steak and seafood offerings. This is the place to go for a special night out, where fine dining meets a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing local ingredients and delivering top-tier service.

• Pates is a Cape Cod institution, offering a blend of traditional New England fare with modern twists. Whether you’re craving seafood, steak, or a fresh salad, Pates delivers with consistency and quality.

• The Doghouse, the restaurant that started it all for Martir, remains a casual favorite for locals and tourists alike. Its laid-back vibe makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. While the menu has evolved under Martir’s leadership, the restaurant has stayed true to its roots as a go-to spot for classic Cape Cod fare.

• One Stop Market offers a more casual dining experience with an emphasis on convenience and quality. From grab-and-go options to freshly made sandwiches and salads, One Stop is perfect for a quick bite or a family meal after a day at the beach.

• Chapin’s Bayside is the ideal spot for those looking to enjoy live music, casual beach fare, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Located near the beach, Chapin’s offers a great mix of food, entertainment, and that quintessential Cape Cod summer vibe.

From Upbeat to upscale

Together, these five restaurants offer diverse dining options, from upscale dinners to casual lunches. Yet, despite their differences, they all share the same commitment to high-quality food and exceptional service. Another advantage of the merger is that all the restaurants have been able to reduce their menu prices. Martir's extensive experience in fine dining, retail, and consulting was instrumental, enabling him to apply his pricing strategies to negotiate better deals, ultimately passing those savings on to customers.

New Arrivals

While Coastal Hospitality has already significantly impacted the Cape Cod dining scene, Martir has no plans to slow down. The group is currently working on opening a new establishment in Chatham later this year, which promises to bring something fresh and exciting to the area. The new restaurant will offer a more casual dining experience, and Martir is confident it will reflect the same values that have made Coastal Hospitality a success: a focus on employee well-being, operational excellence, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding customer service.

With Martir at the helm, Coastal Hospitality's future looks bright. His commitment to creating a supportive, employee-centric workplace has transformed the business and set a new standard for the hospitality industry on Cape Cod. As Coastal Hospitality continues to grow, one thing is sure: its success will always be rooted in its people.

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