Since Lil started in 1986 she has taken orders at her own window. She is a big part of the tradition here at Bob's.

Clam hut staff shells out help

05/08/04 - KITTERY, Maine - Bob’s Clam Hut, a roadside restaurant on U.S. Route 1 is already famous for fried seafood and is now working on becoming famous for giving a helping hand when needed.

Clam hut staff shells out help

Staff reports

KITTERY, Maine - Bob’s Clam Hut, a roadside restaurant on U.S. Route 1 is already famous for fried seafood and is now working on becoming famous for giving a helping hand when needed.

Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery was recently given the annual Small Business Volunteerism Award for the state of Maine by Gov. John Baldacci on April 21.

Bob’s serves clam chowder, fried clams and lobster rolls to customers from all over the country.

Owner Michael Landgarten is a native of Worcester, Mass., and purchased the business from original owner Bob Kraft 18 years ago.

The staff of 35 full-time, year-round employees (55 in the summer) has been heading out into the community during "off" hours to support local causes.

Employed for almost a decade, general manager Shari Goupil said she and eight coworkers spent a few nights recently fixing up a home for Fair Tide, a Kittery program designed to combat homelessness.

"We painted, cleaned and helped to furnish an apartment," she said. "It was great to help out and to spend the time with Bob employees outside of Bob’s."

Since Landgarten took over the business he made a vow to treat his employees well and said he is proud of his crew’s dedication.

Bob’s has for many years been a financial supporter of Special Olympics, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the South Berwick teen center and Kittery basketball and ice hockey teams. They have also been volunteers with Share Our Strength Seacoast, the organization that puts on the hunger relief benefit Taste of the Nation each year.

But it was in 2002 that the staff and management made the decision that financial contributions are not always enough.

In addition to Fair Tide, the employees now support the soup kitchen at Cross Roads House in Portsmouth, N.H., by serving meals and assisting with the collection of clothing and canned goods.

Bob’s Clam Hut was recognized by the Governor’s Service Awards in partnership with The Maine Volunteer Connection and The Maine Connection for Community Service as a role model for other businesses and organizations.

Reprinted from the Portsmouth Herald. May 8, 2004