Schermerhorn’s Seafood returns after 2-year absence

Business partners Michael “Mick” Corduff and Frank A. DeMarinis will reopen Schermerhorn’s Seafood Restaurant and Market Wednesday.
Republican photo by Michael J Fiedler

HOLYOKE — For many longtime Holyoke residents, the wait is finally over; Schermerhorn’s Seafood has reopened its doors at 224 Westfield Road on July 1 after a two-year hiatus.

In just that short amount of time, co-owner and Chef Mick Corduff said they’ve already been “inundated with support” from the community.

After two years of wondering when the 114-year-old restaurant would reopen, patrons have not hesitated to check out the seafood restaurant.

Corduff said the restaurant has been busy every night so far, experiencing 30-45 minute wait times for lunch and nearly an hour for dinner.

He said he expects the wait to go down once everyone gets to explore the space and the staff irons out some early kinks.

“I think it was expected to have some heavy volume, but I think we’re a little surprised ourselves to the extent of the volume,” Corduff stated.

Corduff said that right now, he thinks that lunch guests are viewing the restaurant as more of a meeting spot instead of a quick “grab and go, and he expects lunch to have less of a wait once they are settled in.

After temporarily closing in 2024 because new ownership wanted to renovate, Corduff said the construction took longer than expected due to a stop-work order from the city because of a disagreement regarding building permits.

Corduff explained that although he and co-owner and property developer Frank A. DeMarinis had their frustrations, they were able to work through the lengthy process thanks to the community support.

“We finally crossed the finish line. We have all our permits, we have all our certificates of occupancy, all the licenses necessary, the liquor licenses, and the Board of Health has been through, and everything’s passed with flying colors,” Corduff stated. “[We’re] excited just like the community.”

Schermerhorn’s has been providing Holyoke and Western Massachusetts with fresh Maine lobsters since 1912. All their seafood, including steamer clams, swordfish, and lobster, comes in live and fresh from Maine.

Corduff and his team have put their own spin on the Holyoke seafood staple while maintaining the overall integrity of the business.

Schmerhorn’s now features a full bar and includes an ice cream counter, a newly renovated sit-down restaurant, and a seafood market that includes beer and wine sales. The restaurant will also feature full table service instead of the previous counter service.

“It’s a completely new look,” Corduff stated. “It’s the same floor plan, meaning market on one side and dining room on the other. The only thing that’s changed is the ice cream is inside.”

Corduff said someone from the restaurant continues to drive to the docks in Boston and other communities to regularly pick up seafood. He said they have three vendors they primarily deal with to get the lobster, fish and other fresh products they need.

Schermerhorn’s menu is currently for dine-in only. Takeout orders are currently not being accepted.

They are open every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the restaurant will be open later on Friday and Saturday. The market, which features the ice cream counter, will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Corduff said the best way for people to find out more information and updates on the restaurant and market is to either visit its Facebook page or website at www.schermerhornseafood.com.

“I would say to the community, maybe a little bit of patience with the long lines for a couple more weeks as we get through the honeymoon period, as we tweak our recipes and tweak processes and get the staff fully trained,” Corduff said in a message to customers. “The ultimate goal is great food, great service.”