The Woodshed, Brewster Inn And Chowder House Under New Management

January 16, 2025

by Mackenzie Blue

The Woodshed is known for the annual Brew Run in Brewster every August, proceeds from which are donated to the Brewster Fire Department. FILE PHOTO

BREWSTER – After 40 years of management and 12 years of ownership, Bob Ford is ready to take a step back from the Woodshed and Brewster Inn and Chowder House.

“Well, I’m 67 years old,” said Ford when asked why he was ready to sell.

Andy Murphy, current landlord and owner of the property, struck a deal with Ford to buy the business in the new year. Murphy inherited the property from his uncle, Peter Murphy, after Peter’s death in 2012. Ford said the two always had an agreement for Murphy to purchase the business when he was ready to retire.

Murphy and his wife, Jane, have fond memories of spending their adolescence working at the businesses with his uncle.

Peter purchased The Woodshed in 1969 and opened the adjacent Brewster Inn and Chowder House shortly thereafter. Around the mid 1980s, Ford started working for the restaurant and bar, soon becoming managing partner. After Peter’s death, Ford assumed full control and ownership of the business.

Murphy has been a staple in the restaurant industry on Cape Cod, opening the well-known Lost Dog Pub in two locations, Orleans and East Dennis, and The Peacemaker in Brewster.

Currently, Murphy is listed as the manager on the liquor license while paperwork to officially turn over the business is completed.

Renovations on the building have begun, starting with the Brewster Inn and Chowder House. The dining room is getting updated with new wallpaper and paint, new equipment for the kitchen is being installed and other repairs are being made.

While Murphy isn’t looking to make big changes, he said there will be a couple of updates like new menus and perhaps a slight name change for the Chowder House restaurant.

“The Woodshed is The Woodshed,” he said. “We won’t be changing that name.”

He is hoping to reopen food service on the deck at The Woodshed once summer comes back to the Cape.

Based on projections, Murphy is hoping to reopen the restaurant in late February or early March. As in the past, the Woodshed will reopen in April for the summer.