Keepers Restaurant Closes Its Doors

Keepers Restaurant on Amelia Drive announced Monday that it was closing, effectively immediately.

The last dinner service was Sunday night. Owned by the Dawson family that had previously run the Fog Island Cafe in downtown Nantucket, Keepers had been in business since 2017 and had been run by Sabrina Dawson and her husband Gaven Norton.

"As we have reached the end, we want to express how grateful we are for the loyalty that Nantucket has supported us with for the past 30 years," the Dawson family said in its announcement Monday morning. "For those who do not know, our family has been operating in the Nantucket restaurant industry since 1993. The well-known Fog Island Café downtown, was operated by the Dawson Family, on South Water Street for 25 years. During that time period, they opened its sister Amelia Drive location, currently Keepers Restaurant."

Norton said the Dawson family is looking to sell the property at 5 Amelia Drive.

Over the past five years, Keepers had emerged as a year-round favorite in the mid-island area, with great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a takeout option that many enjoyed during the pandemic.

Just two months ago, it appeared that Keepers was poised to expand. The restaurant had applied to the Planning Board to add 31 seats, and its application received unanimous approval.

But Norton said going through that process had also brought about discussions around the possibility of selling the restaurant and the property on Amelia Drive, eventually leading to Monday's announcement.

"Our family is extremely proud for the years that it has served our community," the Dawsons said. "Watching families grow, and friendships bloom, our restaurants have always been a special place. We are excited to be shifting our focus to a new chapter of life, and celebrate what we have accomplished. Thank you to every single person who was a part of it, for all of the memories, stories and unforgettable experiences, and letting us be a part of this amazing island."

Norton said that outstanding gift cards to the restaurant are an issue the family is aware of, and thye are working on a solution to honor them.

Monday's announcement by Keepers marked the latest island restaurant to close its doors. Since last fall, Nantucket has lost 56 Union, the Boarding House, The Pearl, and Lola Burger, while the sale of another island favorite - Faregrounds Restaurant and Pudley's Pub - is expected to happen after the summer.

While The Pearl is expected to reopen in 2023, 56 Union was purchased by the Great Harbor Yacht Club and will not return as a restaurant. The Lola Burger property is reportedly under agreement but has not yet closed.