A new multi-purpose event space and restaurant is coming to downtown Oak Bluffs.
Inkwell Beach House is set to fill the former Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company space on Oak Bluffs avenue after being approved by the select board on Tuesday.
The venture is spearheaded by television personality and summer Islander AJ Calloway. Mr. Calloway told the board Tuesday he wants to curate an “events ecosystem” in the heart of town, where meals and cocktail hours can blend seamlessly into community programming.
“A lot of people want to have the capability to do a dinner or a sit-down [event], and then an afterparty,” he said at the meeting.
Downstairs will be a restaurant manned by celebrity chef G. Garvin. Mr. Garvin hosts several cooking shows, including Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin and Hustle, Sizzle, and Smoke.
“The menu is actually pretty awesome,” Mr. Calloway said.
Upstairs, he said, will be well-suited to all kinds of events, from conversation groups to art and music performances.
Geoghan Coogan, the attorney for the business, compared Inkwell Beach House’s structure to the former Chowder Co., which has moved to Kennebec avenue, and the Loft nightclub.
“This will be done in a similar fashion,” he wrote to the Gazette Wednesday.
When asked by the board if Inkwell Beach House will operate year-round, Mr. Calloway said that’s his hope. He wants strong programming throughout the seasons to attract patrons both from the Island and elsewhere.
“I definitely want to try to bring people here outside of the season,” he said.
This article appears in May 1, 2026.
Point of info: MV Chowder Co moved up the street to 14 Kennebec Avenue. We did not close. Just wanted to make that known. Ty.
This sounds perf to me, OB- access to food-drink-community- excited to support that elusive unicorn, the exact combo of comfort, acceptance, recognition we all want/need amongst the seasonal tsunamis…
Is it weird to want that back?
It sounds like a great idea. I hope it works!
Is the Time’s going to look into the extensive allegations against AJ Calloway? A quick google search should help
Read this wanna gonna be a private club. Members only. For us by us. Any word on what’s up with that?
A J Calloway went to South Mountain Elementary School and grew up in SOMA i.e. South Orange/Maplewood in New Jersey. He’s a hometown hero. I’m excited to dine at the Inkwell Beach House and continue to support the MV Chowder House. Heartfelt Congratulations!!!
MV Chowder House is And still will be near and dear to
Islanders like me, the folks who want signature cocktails and other people who want authentic New England fare with great chefs and great service.
Btw …Red Cat Kitchen thrived in the Kennebec location and had dedicated patrons too.
So hopeful the Loft will still be “the Loft”
Interesting. There is definitely a need for such a venue given the exiting of Lola’s. Whether it is sustainable except for the three or four hype weeks of the summer remains to be seen. I hope for the best given the investors. While your at it, can someone bring back the Atlantic Connection?