Pusser's Closing Annapolis Restaurant Next Year: Report

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Pusser's Caribbean Grille will close its downtown Annapolis restaurant in November 2024, a press release said Tuesday. The release noted that Pusser's hopes to eventually reopen in an undetermined location nearby.

The bar and grille is located at 80 Compromise Street inside the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. The release said Pusser's leased its space from the hotel for 30 years and the contract is expiring.

The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel is not renewing that lease, the release said.

"While we are very disappointed by the outcome of our lease negotiations, we certainly look forward to celebrating next year, our last year and our 30th Anniversary, with the Annapolis community," Pusser's Co-Owner Chris Townsend said in the release.

Pusser's opened its waterfront restaurant at City Dock in 1994. It's known for its seafood and rum drinks, including the Painkiller.

Townsend thanked his employees for their service. The crew has hosted more than 1,000 weddings and events.

"The longevity of Executive Chef, Jim Eriksen, Senior Catering Sales Manager, Hilary Peret, and Accounting/Personnel Manager, Dottie Cover, averaging over 28 years at Pusser’s, is indicative of the family atmosphere created over the years," Townsend said in the release. "More than a Painkiller and ‘must see’ experience for locals and tourists alike, Pusser’s has been a home base for so many."

The release said Pusser's has held charitable fundraisers, worked with the U.S. Naval Academy and supported the boating community. Situated along Ego Alley, Pusser's is always an entertainment hub during the Annapolis Boat Shows.

"Pusser’s will forever be a long-time part of the unique fabric of Annapolis, and going forward we hope to develop other possible locations in the area," Townsend said in the release. "But, with upwards of 70 events on the books for 2024, we still have a lot of work to do. We want to make sure our 30th year will be a lot of fun and truly a year to remember."

Pusser's will still host all the events it already has scheduled until November 2024. It's also accepting new events happening before that date.

Anybody with questions can contact Chris Townsend, Sarah Lubawski or Minna Pauly at PussersAnnapolis2024@gmail.com.

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