Mystic firm wins contract for Seaport food, catering

A Mystic-based firm will soon operate all of Mystic Seaport's food, beverage and catering services.

Coastal Gourmet Inc. has been chosen by Mystic Seaport to begin those operations on Jan. 1, replacing the global Sodexo food-services company that currently provides the services.

"Establishing a relationship with Coastal Gourmet is a natural fit for us," said Mystic Seaport president Steve White. "We both seek to achieve the same goal: provide a quality product and service to our customers."

Coastal Gourmet, established in 1993, has a host of local venues, including the Mystic Market East and Mystic Market West, Coastal Gourmet Catering & Event Planning, the Stonington Meadows as well as the culinary operations at Stonington Harbor Yacht Club.

Coastal Gourmet is owned by Charles Spathakis, who also owns and operates Aspen, an Old Saybrook restaurant that this year was named the best new restaurant by Connecticut Magazine.

"We are committed to exceeding expectations of (Seaport) visitors and members," said Spathakis, a longtime Seaport member.

The Mystic firm has a five-year contract with the Seaport to provide food, beverage and catering operations, according to Seaport spokesman Michael O'Farrell. Coastal Gourmet will staff and operate the Seamen's Inne Restaurant & Pub, The Galley Restaurant and Schaefer's Spouter Tavern. It also will be responsible for booking and servicing weddings and catered events at the Seaport, said O'Farrell.

Seaport officials said Seamen's Inne will remain open through the end of November, when it will close for dining-related services so its dining and kitchen areas can be renovated. However, any previously booked events there will still be held and will be catered by Coastal Gourmet, O'Farrell said. The well-known restaurant will reopen in the spring with a new name, with grand-opening plans to be announced later.