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Our History Arnold's Lobster and Clam Bar, a popular Eastham landmark, has a history spanning more than a quarter of a century. The vision of owner/proprietor, Nathan Nickerson, Arnold's served its first customers in 1976 not at its current location in Eastham, but four miles north in South Wellfleet. At that time "Happy Days" was the number one television program and Nickerson, searching for a unique concept that would distinguish his establishment from the dozen or so others nearby, chose to fashion his restaurant after the drive-in malt shop frequented by The Fonz and the gang. Like the trendy burger joint in the hit TV series, Nickerson's Arnold's featured fast food, fried clams and frappes served by roller-skating car hops. It was a nostalgic summer of hula hooping to the sounds of Fats Domino and Bill Haley.
For the next dozen years Arnold's continued to grow and prosper. By the early 90's the original structure had been modified by at least six different additions. Then in September 1993, just a few days before Labor Day, a huge fire consumed a large portion of the building. The flames left behind sustained, irreparable smoke and water damage. Arnold's was declared a total loss. Like Phoenix rising from its own ashes, after a winter and spring of furious construction, Arnold's was miraculously able to open at the start of the following season. And so, from the humblest of beginnings, over the course of twenty-five years Arnold's has become a fixture on the landscape of the Lower Cape. At Arnold's the philosophy has always been a simple one: provide a clean, informal environment; offer fast and friendly service; and above all, deliver the freshest seafood at the most reasonable prices around. For decades, loyal customers have been rewarding Arnold's dedication to excellence and its commitment to quality with their continued patronage. "Nick" Nickerson and his staff would like to thank those who have supported Arnold's year after year and they look forward to welcoming old friends and new visitors. |
That
first season was an unquestionable success. However, Arnold's was only
a tenant in its South Wellfleet location. Unable to renew the lease, Nickerson
was forced to find a new site for his venture. Fortunately, in the spring
of '77 a small roadside Eastham clam shack, the Sand Box, better known
to locals by its original name, Gertrude's Beach Box, became available.
Arnold's had found its new, albeit modest, home.
Over
the next few years as the business expanded, the building, itself, underwent
numerous renovations and improvements. In 1980 it seemed that the 1950's
image had brought the fledgling restaurant about as far as it could. The
roller-skating car hop concept was retired upon the completion of an indoor
dining area. A number of seafood items, including steamed lobsters, were
added to the menu. The choice of beverages was extended to include beer
and wine. Arnold's Drive-In had reinvented itself and had become Arnold's
Lobster and Clam Bar.