Pilots Cove Cafe in July 2022
Photo: Facebook image
By Lee Burnett
Pilots Cove Cafe at Sanford Seacoast Airport is closed for good, but owner Dan Bowden hopes to open a country bar in Alfred.
Bowden had tried to operate Pilots Cove as both a restaurant and a live outdoor music venue, but earlier this year was forced to end live music in order to comply with a Federal Aviation Administration regulation prohibiting non-aviation uses on airport property. He notified Airport Manager Allison Navia two months ago that he intended to give up the space at the end of November.
“Jeepers, it was a big surprise,” Navia explained on Tuesday.
Bowden could not be reached for comment about his plans.
Bowden took over the old Cockpit Cafe six years ago and initially retained the aviation theme and breakfast service but gradually moved toward evening hours and live music, Navia explained. Neighbors started complaining about excessive noise, and pilots started complaining about the loss of a treasured breakfast spot, she said.
Even before the FAA crackdown, it was becoming “not a good fit,” Navia said. “Pilots complained, they started a petition.”
Attracting another restaurateur will take many months. Navia would love to see another aviation-themed restaurant. “The pilots really want a breakfast-type place,” she said. In the meantime, the building will be leased to the flight school or other aviation business while interior renovations proceed. It may open on an interim basis with food trucks, she said.
Navia said she wishes Bowden well. “People want to see a music venue like this in the region, but not here,” she said.
Bowden hopes to open a country bar with food trucks at Dedrick’s Auto Service at 439 Sanford Road (Route 202), Alfred, according to minutes of Alfred Planning Board. Bowden told the board Nov. 5 that he plans to offer live and electronic music, parking for 100 vehicles, firepits and gazebos, games such as pool, darts and horseshoes, and indoor seating for 25-30, according to the minutes.
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