~ Dash Point History ~

In the 1800's the U.S. Navy commanded expeditions over many parts of the world. The USS Peacock, under the command of Lieutenant Wilkes, was part of the first scientific exploration of the Pacific Coast. On July 18, 1841, this ship met its demise on a partially submerged sandpit (now eponymously named Peacock Spit) at the mouth of the Columbia River, but not before its crew and officers explored and chartered the Commencement Bay area. No subsequent survey charting of the area is known until one that was published in 1877. Dash Point is designated on one of the charts of that expedition.

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. Whatever the origin, Dash Point received its present name between 1841 and 1877, and was the promontory point used in geodetic survey in the later half of the 19th century.

In 1907 James Churchill became the first resident of that 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, became a soda fountain known as the Beach Hut. It catered primarily to the beach crowd at Dash Point Park and the immediate neighborhood. It is the site of the Dash Point Lobster Shop.

~ The Lobster Shop History ~

The Lobster Shop concept became a reality when its new (and current) proprietor, Denny Driscoll, opened the doors on June 16, 1977. As Denny explains, "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 was all I knew!"

"I searched for the very best 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, on Ruston Way in Tacoma. In June, 1981, The Lobster Shop South on Commencement Bay opened its doors.

~ A Message From Denny ~

We are as committed today, as we were the day we opened 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 we welcome and encourage your involvement and feedback.

We strive to continually improve and to earn your patronage each and every visit.