The Lobster Shop - Ruston Way

In the 1800's the U.S. Navy commanded expeditions over many parts of the world. One of it's ships, the USS Peacock, explored and charted the Commencement Bay area in July 1841. No other subsequent survey charting the area is known until the one that was published in 1877. On one of the charts of that expedition, Dash Point is designated.
Dash point could be named for a man or a ship from either expedition. It is also speculated the name derives from the "dash" marking on nautical charts. It is certain that Dash Point received its present name between 1841 and 1877.
During the 19th century, Dash Point was the promontory used as a geodetic survey point and in 1907 James Churchill became the first resident of the point. He was the local real estate agent, justice of the peace, and often called the first mayor of Dash Point. He built the first grocery store and dance hall on the point.
The second grocery store, originally built on stilts due to high tides, is where you are now - The Dash Point Lobster Shop.
The Lobster Shop concept became a reality June 16, 1977 at Dash Point. Prior to becoming The Lobster Shop, the grocery store-turned soda fountain was known as the Beach Hut, catering primarily to the beach crowd at Dash Point County Park and the immediate neighborhood.
The concept I was attempting to develop and promote reflected my appreciation of and respect for the wonderful fresh seafood and straightforward preparation with which I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I was fervently committed to the philosophy of "simplicity and consistency"...I was also the cook, and that's all I knew!
I searched for the very best quality seafood available, subtly enhanced it and strived to prepare it so consistently it would taste the same or better every time a guest returned.
Thankfully, through positive word-of-mouth and some very favorable reviews by Northwest restaurant critics, our business quickly grew. Soon we had more guests than our small 44-set restaurant could handle.
I had been residing, at the time, in a small apartment upstairs under the restaurant rafters, and with the active and enthusiastic support of the Dash Point community, I was allowed to convert my living room to a second level dining area.
The physical boundaries of the original Lobster Shop now maximized, the next phase of the expansion necessarily involved a second location. In June 1981, The Lobster Shop South, on Ruston way in the Port of Tacoma, opened its doors.
We are as committed today as we were in 1977 to sharing with each guest the very best of the Pacific Northwest - the finest seafood, great wines, good value, spectacular scenery and warm friendly hospitality.
We are indebted to you, the community and the guests that have supported us, and not only welcome but encourage your involvement and feedback.
We strive to continually improve and to earn your patronage each and every visit.