Marblehead Hooked on New Restaurant

For 40 years, Ben Rhodes served up  sandwiches at his popular Super Sub shop at 114 Pleasant Street. Then one day last year, he knew it was time for a change.

"If I made one more cheese steak or chicken parm,  I was going to pop," Rhodes said.  "So I decided to try something else."

Rhodes and partner Rafe Hershfield opened Hooked Seafood & Grill, Marblehead's newest restaurant, on the July 4th weekend. It's in the same location as the old sub shop, but has been completely renovated with what Rhodes calls a "beachy feel."

"It's a casual seafood restaurant, with a beer and wine license," Rhodes said. "We're family friendly with a kids menu." 

The new eatery seats 30 people and aims to be a place locals can get great seafood without a long drive along the coast.

"We've gotten a 100 percent positive reaction to the new place," Rhodes said. "People are glad they don't have to drive to Essex or Ipswich for this kind of fresh seafood."

Some of the favorites on the menu? Fish tacos, Maryland soft-shell crab and the traditional fried clam plate. There are also salads with toppings like tuna kabobs, swordfish kabobs and grilled salmon.

If you're not a seafood fan, there's still plenty for you on the menu, including cheeseburgers and steak  tips.

One thing you won't find -- sub sandwiches.

"We still have people come in and order cheese steaks,  believe it or not!" he said.

According to Rhodes, Hooked will be featured soon on TV Diner with Billy Costa. The popular restaurant review show on New England Cable News filmed at Hooked this week.

Rhodes is also trying to stay current with a Twitter account for Hooked, offering news and menu updates.

The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce plans a ribbon cutting at Hooked on August 20th. Rhodes' wife, Jill, also owns the clothing store, Babe, on Essex Street.