Sophia Kitay and Ben Jones had a history with restaurants before purchasing Oystercatcher: Ben’s family owned restaurants in Winthrop, and Sophia had worked in restaurants in the Puget Sound Area for nine years. They both had experience in fine dining, and had a strong desire to have their own restaurant.
The Oystercatcher, run by its new owners, was launched on June 10th and already, on most evenings, the majority of the tables have been reserved by guests who are looking for a fine dining experience.
Sophia and Ben moved to Whidbey Island in April 2023 and began looking at restaurant possibilities on the island. They were both driven by a strong feeling to have their own restaurant. They first started studying the listings of “Restaurants for sale in Washington State.” They shared an intuitive feeling that this is what they wanted to do.
When they discovered that Oystercatcher was for sale, and decided they wanted to purchase it, Sophia’s family helped co-sign the loan for the restaurant. It was three weeks from when they saw the listing to when they completed the purchase.
Many others things fell into place. They were able to find a house to rent in Coupeville. They found their seven staff members (who they feel are like family) from listings in “Indeed”, and the same staff works there for the five days that the restaurant is open. One of the line cooks is also the dessert cook, assuring that everything served at Oystercatcher is prepared in house.
Sophia adds, “Everything that could have fallen into place, did!”
Before re-opening Oystercatcher, the new buyers did a lot of remodeling: they repainted, created a small service bar, and generally provided a more comfortable feeling in the restaurant.
The previous owners of the restaurant, Sara and Tyler Hansen, still own the building and their Little Red Hen bakery in the building provides bread and beignets to the restaurant.
The dinner menu is entirely new, and features Pacific Northwest farm-to-table cuisine. Sophia and Ben say their goal is to have the Oystercatcher reflect the sense of the community that surrounds it. They focus on creating elegant, satisfying meals.
The menu includes a wine list that features biodynamic, sustainable and organic wine makers. There is a “Tasting Menu” offered for $75/person that is served family style to the table and includes five courses.
The Oystercatcher Restaurant at 901 Grace St NW, Coupeville, is open Thursday – Monday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
To see the current menu, or to make a reservation, you can contact them through their website, www.oystercatcherwhidbey.com, or give them a call (360) 678-0683.
