Pilot’s Cove Cafe Plans Outdoor Expansion

Pilot’s Cove Cafe is planning to expand this year with a new pavilion for outdoor dining, similar to the one pictured here. Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport Manager Allison Navia and Pilot’s Cove owner Daniel Bowden spoke about the plans at the January 12 meeting of the City Council’s Property Subcommittee.

Mr. Bowden described several ways his restaurant has adapted to survive through the pandemic. These included offering in-flight catering services to private planes, using Door Dash for takeout, and expanding advertising.

He told Subcommittee members that outdoor dining on the patio was very successful in good weather, but the sunshades there were not enough to protect diners on rainy days. The planned pavilion would be a post-and-beam structure open on all sides, and would be for Pilot’s Cove customers only. The patio will continue to be open to the general public, as well as restaurant patrons.

Mr. Bowden said the expansion will not increase overall seating at the restaurant, due to kitchen capacity, but will provide an option for people who want to eat outdoors protected from sun and rain.

The expansion plan was discussed as part of an amendment to the restaurant’s lease agreement with the Airport. The amendment was previously approved by the Airport Advisory Committee, and will now be forwarded to the City Council for approval.