LYNN, Mass. — A strategic plan to redevelop Lynn's waterfront means the closure of a city staple of 51 years.
The Porthole Restaurant will soon close it's doors after its owner says 'the time has come.'
Bob Gaudet has worked 7-day-work weeks for as long as he has been a part of the Porthole, from custodian to owner of the business.
Gaudet says he never wanted to give up, until he had a change of heart.
A local developer, Patrick McGrath, owner of Lynnway Market, bought the Porthole and plans to use the land to build luxury waterfront condos.
Gaudet says the purchase price is slightly north of $1.4 million.
"It wasn't a great offer and it wasn't about money, it was the time has come," said Gaudet.
Frank Cuthberg and his wife have been coming to the Porthole since 1967.
"I'm a little envious of the people who are going to live in those condos," said Cuthberg. "Everyone's sad to see it closing, it's the end of an era."
Looking back, Gaudet will have plenty of memories to look back to, some good, others not so much.
Life changed dramatically for Gaudet back in 2016 when his restaurant was involved in an armed robbery.
"[I] had a gun in my face for a couple hours and that was a tough time and I think I got a little post-traumatic stress," said Gaudet.
The robbery took a massive toll on Gaudet, which may be the reason he says he's moving on - albeit a heart-wrenching move for the proud business owner.
"Standing here without wanting to bail is a hard part of it, you know," said Gaudet.
For the time being, Gaudet is keeping the Porthole open, partially to help give his longtime employees some time to find other work. While it hasn't fully closed yet, the restaurant has shortened its hours.
Cox Media Group
