COBB ISLAND, Md. — A longtime Cobb Island landmark is entering a new chapter. The Charles County Board of License Commissioners on Thursday, Aug. 14, approved a liquor license for Pier House Restaurant, a year-round waterfront dining destination taking over the site once home to Captain Charles and Shymansky’s Restaurant.
The restaurant, led by chef and owner Aaron Conrad McGovern, will extend the long history of the location, where restaurants have welcomed the community since the 1940s. McGovern, who moved to Cobb Island five years ago, told the board that living in the community shapes how he plans to operate. “It is very important to keep your neighbors happy, especially in a small Cobb Island community,” he said, adding that his goal is to create a place where residents feel just as happy as the visitors.
Farm-to-Table Dining
At the meeting, McGovern laid out his vision for Pier House. With more than 40 years of restaurant experience, McGovern said he plans to bring farm-to-table dining with locally sourced oysters, seafood and regional ingredients. He emphasized that Pier House will not be a seasonal operation but a year-round destination with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Entertainment and Waivers
Carrying on the tradition of past restaurants at the site, McGovern sought waivers for outdoor live music and use of the outdoor tiki bar. In the past, those permissions would have been grandfathered in with a license transfer.
McGovern assured the board that sound will be carefully managed. Speakers will be positioned to reduce the distance over which noise can travel, and regular sound checks will be conducted at multiple points to stay within state rules. He will also follow residential noise limits instead of restaurant standards, out of respect for neighbors. As a Cobb Island resident himself, McGovern said he will personally handle the speakers to make sure entertainment never overwhelms the community.
When the approval came through, the room erupted in cheers as residents celebrated, showing how eager the community is to welcome the new establishment.
McGovern is still in the process of securing his use and occupancy and health permits before opening.
Hours of Operation Presented to the Board
Wednesday–Thursday: 3 p.m. to midnight
Friday: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to midnight
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
A Look Back: Shymansky’s on Cobb Island
The site where Pier House will open carries deep roots in Cobb Island’s dining history. In the 1940s, Bruce Shymansky opened a restaurant known as Smitty’s Long Point, which later became Shymansky’s. For decades, it was a local landmark for seafood and waterfront dining, eventually renovated and operated by his daughter Pat and her husband Butch in the 1980s. The property later operated as Captain Charles Seafood House and Marina before closing.
The BayNet has reached out to Pier House to learn more and will keep the community updated.
Watch the August 14 meeting on CCGTV here.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
Butch is the son of Bruce Shymansky–Pat is Butcher wife!