Wharfside Changing Ownership, Name

Wharfside Bar and Grill will soon be getting a new look, name and ownership. The restaurant’s current owners will hand the business over the their son.

Owners Sandy and Rick Sargent announced on their Facebook page that Rick will be retiring and will turn the location over to his son, Chad. Wharfside Bar and Grill’s last day will be Sunday. It plans to reopen as Chad’s BBQ by early June.

“Chad’s knowledge and passion for food has motivated us to transform Wharfside into his vision…Chad’s BBQ,” the Sargent’s wrote. “Even the most discerning BBQ fans will love the menu boasting smoked, authentic barbequed chicken, pork, beef, meatloaf and sausages. A yummy selection of side items will include salt potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese and more.”

In the Facebook post, the Sargent’s explained that Wharfside originally came about when Sandy rode her bike by Country Side Inn and dreamed of owning the property. Eventually the inn became Wharfside.

Last year, Wharfside Bar & Grill was voted the best place in town for Mother's Day brunch in Patch's Readers' Choice. Wharfside was also named winners of Patch’s “Best Breakfast” and “Best Sandwiches.”

Sandy and Rick Sargent thanked the community for their support over the years, as Wharfside became their home away from home.

“We want to personally thank you for being such an important part of our contribution to history,” they wrote. “As Wharfside became our home away from home, our customers and employees became our friends and extended family. The honor and privilege of sharing in the lives of so many others was truly God’s blessing to us.”

Wharfside Bar and Grill will serve its last meals on Mother’s Day. You can read Sandy and Rick Sargent’s entire letter below:

To our customers:

We are excited to announce a new chapter of food and beverage for our unique little restaurant. Rick, who is retiring, will be proudly passing the torch to our son, Chad, who has a great vision to introduce to you.

To share a bit of history with you, our story actually began long ago. As most of you already know, Sandy grew up on the next street over. She would ride her bike past the “Countryside Inn” (Wharfside) to “Pop’s Fruit Stand” (Highs) where she and many of her siblings worked over the years. At thirteen years old, she could only imagine the future.

Each time she passed the “Countryside Inn”, she knew she adored it and would dream about how charming it could be. A longing in her heart was created to someday own it so she could bring life to it, provide the love it needed, and protect it from developer’s harm.
Fifty years later, here we are! At a location rich with memories, we want to personally thank you for being such an important part of our contribution to history.

As Wharfside became our home away from home, our customers and employees became our friends and extended family. The honor and privilege of sharing in the lives of so many others was truly God’s blessing to us.

We have watched families grow with the addition of beautiful children and grandchildren. Together, we have enjoyed many birthdays, bridal and baby showers, events for local sports teams, holiday celebrations and even a few weddings.

And, as you are our family, we have shed tears with you as life’s challenges passed our way; hopefully, helping to carry each other’s burdens and lightening each other’s paths.

Getting to know each and every one of you and being a part of your lives has been our reward and the success of our venture. We thank God for all the memories and the opportunity to call you friends.

Chad’s knowledge and passion for food has motivated us to transform Wharfside into his vision…”CHAD’S BBQ”. Even the most discerning BBQ fans will love the menu boasting smoked, authentic barbequed chicken, pork, beef, meatloaf and sausages. A yummy selection of side items will include salt potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese and more!

Our last day as the Wharfside will be Sunday, May 12, 2013 (Mother’s Day). Our targeted re-opening date as CHAD’S BBQ will be a the end of May or early June. As this transition is taking place Chad will have a new website and a Facebook page as CHAD’S BBQ with more info. Please “like” us on Facebook and follow the progress.

Thank you all! Our hearts are full and will always hold a special place for you. We appreciate your patronage!

Fondly,
Rick and Sandy Sargent