The Chart Room at Kingman Yacht Center in Cataumet first opened in 1966 aboard a converted New Jersey Central Railroad barge built around the turn of the last century. The barge was used as a machine ship for the production of vessels used in the Korean War; large lathes for turning propeller shafts were located where the bar is today. A piano is located in the diesel engine rebuilding area.
The Chart Room has been in the Jarvis family since David Jarvis’s father bought it in 1973. It is now owned by his son, David Jarvis Jr., and his partner, Executive Chef Tom Gordon. The Chart Room opened for its 53rd season on May 14. The plan is to continue the formula that has worked to make the Chart Room a favored spot.
“We try to be consistent with things that have made us popular—swordfish, lobster salad, baked stuffed lobster—we let the fish and food speak for itself,” David said.
With its 150 employees, the Chart Room is an institution. Many of its employees are from families that have generations of service. “We are lucky. Many families in the area–Megansett, New Silver, Wings Neck, Bourne—kids that I worked with when I was in my 20s now have their kids working here. Mom and Dad, auntie or uncle want those kids to have the same experience they did. We’re a pretty close group,” he said.
Challenges he sees for this coming season include the weather and prices. People are happier when the weather is nice; he’s waiting for it to happen. Prices are high right now, which is a challenge to navigate.
Kitchen staff is consistent, thanks in part to returning Jamaican employees. “We try our best to make the experience a good one; we know people have many choices of where to go,” he said.
He’s also watching the impact of the lane closure on the Bourne Bridge through Wednesday, May 20. In the peak season on a Friday night, a bridge backup of five or six miles “has been normal forever,” he said. “But I don’t want it to be that way at 1 PM on a Tuesday.”
The view of boats in the harbor and the colors of the setting sun bring people back. One recent reviewer who returned after 30 years said the Chart Room “hasn’t lost its friendly vibe, and the swordfish and chowder are just as delicious.” The line is long for the signature mudslides from the outside window.
With some 250 seats, a third of them outside, including on the lawn next to the boats, the restaurant after COVID received permission from the town and the state to erect a tent to protect outside diners from rain and too much sun.
Seated inside or outside, Chart Room customers participate in a longtime tradition of community dining.
The Chart Room | 1 Shipyard Lane, Cataumet | chartroomcapecod.com
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