Each month, we visit a new food spot thanks to the folks at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, an estate & elder planning law firm who like to shine a spotlight on local gems of the South Coast, especially small businesses that are family-run just like their own law firm.
Middleboro native Michael Dearing has worked for Sheraton and restaurant chains including the Chart House, Fleming’s Steakhouse, and Capital Grille, giving him a wealth of corporate food and beverage experience.
It has also given him perspective.
He and his wife Erin bought Fireside Classic American Grille in his hometown in 2019 and recently purchased Towne Tavern on Route 6 in Wareham and rechristened it 12 Knots. He says coming out of the corporate world, he was seeking a way to make “a more meaningful connection” with guests, staff, and in the communities he had known so well in his youth. And what better way to do so than through a family restaurant setting.
Both Fireside and Lindsay’s (Towne Tavern’s predecessor) were family restaurants known for home cooking. The Dearings wish to continue the long-held reputations that these restaurants had.
The family theme pertains to the staff, as the Dearings’ own children work at the restaurant. Daughter Mikayla runs events and twin sons Dylan and Derek also work there—in the kitchen and managing operations.
The owners of Towne Tavern had done some great improvements to the space. “We just changed some of the aesthetic,” says Michael.
“We wanted to bring it back to a family environment,” he says. That means making everything from scratch. And working with local fishermen and farmers whenever possible. For example, this fall their menu consists of fresh corn, apples, and—from Sawchuk Farm in Plympton—butternut squash.
We enjoyed the fig and prosciutto flatbread, perfect for fall. Other popular faves include the maple-glazed wings, the pork chop with apple chutney, and the broiled scallops. Like a good family restaurant, there are a wealth of sides—standard and premium—from which to choose.
The nautical-themed name is derived from the conditions for a perfect day. “Whether you are a power boater, a sailor, or a fisherman, when the wind is blowing at 12 knots, it is the best for everyone. We want this to be the best for everyone.”
Dearing acknowledges that 12 Knots is competing against the many corporate fast casual establishments in the region. “I know that place,” says Dearing. “I worked for that type of place.” He wants to earn your patronage. “Humble is one of our core values,” he says.
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Want to officially welcome 12 Knots officially to town? Join them for their grand opening and ribbon cutting on October 22. For just $30, you'll mingle and sample many of their favorite apps. All of the proceeds support the Buzzards Bay Coalition because Michaels says "owning a restaurant that features local seafood has strengthened our desire to preserve and protect our local waterways.”
Thursday, October 22
5:30 pm for ribbon cutting, 6 to 8 pm for mingling, appetizers and cash bar. Reserve your ticket here.
12 Knots Classic American Grille, 3138 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham
Photography by Liam Connor Photography
We hope you enjoyed this post, which is part of a series of blog posts celebrating local food spots, sponsored by Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., the premier estate planning and elder law practice serving clients in Southeastern Massachusetts. Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes can help you prepare the foundational documents needed to facilitate healthcare, financial and legal decisions should a medical crisis occur. Early planning can save money, heartache and angst during a temporary bout of incapacity or a long-term care event. Getting your estate plan in order gives you peace of mind. Find out more about Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes here.
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Last post in the series:
At Fish in Carver (recommended to us by one of our readers), the menu is your basic fish & clam shack, and the quality of food is top-notch. The most popular order is the fish and chips, always made with haddock fillets. The owner calls the dish “old faithful.”