Lease Ends Putting Popular Noank Restaurant's Future In Jeopardy

GROTON, CT — The lease for the Ford's Lobster/Haring's Marine property has ended, but the restaurant's operators said they plan to return next season.

Ford's Lobster posted on Facebook on Nov. 7 that they were closed for the season. They said that the property's owners have "decided to lease to someone else."

"We’ve survived a lot and we will survive this," they wrote. "We have some very solid leads from people who want us and we are confident we’ll be back next season although a bit different."

This isn't the first time the restaurant has faced challenges.

"We opened in 2010 with a hot dog cart and a couple plastic tables," they wrote. "We got busy. We worked hard. We received a cease and desist letter from the town. We fought zoning. 2013-2019 yay! 2020-2022: COVID regulations, changing Covid regulations, staff shortages, supply shortages. 2023: cancer and a lease termination based on the fact that we’re too busy and property owners cannot enjoy their property."

Located on the water in Noank, Ford's Lobster is known for its lobster rolls. On Google reviews, the restaurant receives an average of 4.6 stars out of 1,485 reviews.

As for the property at 15 Riverview Ave., restaurateur Dan Meiser, owner of the Oyster Club, The Port of Call, and Engine Room in Mystic, told The Day “we’re actively exploring opportunities” for the property.