Cape Cod restaurants: Three dining spots hit the market

In Cape Cod restaurant news this week, three well-known restaurants on the Lower Cape are going through major changes while an Upper Cape Italian restaurant has reached out on social media to let folks know it’s not going anywhere.

Also, Wimpy’s Seafood Cafe expects to remain open year round, moving in October from its long-time location in Osterville to a new spot in Hyannis.

Wimpy’s Seafood Cafe and Market, a popular Osterville restaurant since 1938, has two new owners who plan changes to the food and decor. [Merrily Cassidy/Cape Cod Times]

In case you missed it, last week we wrote about how caviar on ice cream isn’t the only surprise at Mr. Bob’s Cape Cod and how a Mashpee self-serve wine bar has a new name and menu.

See this Cape Cod ice cream cone topped with caviar

1 of 8

Caviar is added to soft serve ice cream at Mr. Bob’s in Sandwich
August 24 2026 (Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times)

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar for sale

Nick Nickerson, owner of Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar on Route 6 in Eastham, announced that the seasonal seafood restaurant is on the market “after 50 wonderful and successful years.”

“It is difficult to put into words what Arnold’s has meant to me and my family. What began as Arnold’s Drive-In grew into something far greater than I ever imagined, and that would never have happened without our loyal customers and dedicated employees,” Nickerson wrote on Facebook.

Clams, a popular item at Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar, are one of the fried dishes that come with fries. The busy restaurant goes through an estimated 390 pounds of fries a day and 400 pounds of onion rings.

A 2020 Cape Cod Times interview with Nickerson looked at how Arnold’s adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic and at its history.

“I’ve been blessed beyond measure. Although this is the end of an extraordinary chapter for me, the memories and friendships I have made will remain in my heart forever,” Nickerson wrote. “Thank you for 50 unforgettable years.”

Van Rensselaer’s owners put restaurant on the market

Owners Peter and Diane Hall said on Facebook last week, “We have made the most difficult decision of our lives … to put our business — our baby — our world —Van Rensselaer’s Restaurant & Raw Bar — on the market to sell.”

The Halls thanked their staff and customers for their success, thanking regular visitors for being “the absolute glue that holds this family business together through the years.”

Van Rensselaer’s was established in 1980 and is located at 1019 Route 6 in South Wellfleet.

“We do not have a buyer … but feel it is time to start this process — of letting go of something that we love so dearly. It’s time to think about slowing down … and having more time to enjoy each other & this beautiful place where we live,” the Halls wrote.

Cobie’s Clam Shack in Brewster real estate for sale at $1,499,000

Commercial Realty Advisors, Inc. has listed Cobie’s Clam Shack and a cottage used for employee housing during the summer, at 3256 and 3260 Main St. in Brewster, for sale at $1,499,000.

The price does not include the Cobie’s Clam Shack business, founded by Coburn Emery in 1948 and owned since 1980 by Rob Slavin.

“Someone could come by and just want the land. If someone intended to keep it as Cobie’s that would be something different,” Slavin said.

Slavin said he is looking to retire, but understands a sale might take awhile.

“If I don’t sell it between now and next summer, I’ll open again. I kind of have to allow for both contingencies,” Slavin said in a telephone interview.

Asked what is most popular at Cobie’s, Slavin listed the old clam shack favorites of fish and chips and lobster rolls. “Over a period of time, consistency has been the most important element. When people come here, they know what they are going to get.”

Ristorante Avellino says they aren’t going anywhere

Ristorante Avellino, 339 East Falmouth Highway, posted this Facebook message last week: “We just received a somewhat troubling phone call…a lady called saying she wanted to purchase a gift card but heard a rumor that we might be closing or selling … that was news to me! I am not sure who’s spreading this rumor but I can 100% assure you this couldn’t be farther from the truth! We have absolutely no desire to sell our business and we certainly hope to be here serving you for many more years to come, God willing! So no, we aren’t going anywhere!”

Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Contact her at gfriss@capecodonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod restaurants: Three dining spots hit the market