supporters. She was the one who started the business with me and put a lot of work into the early years with me.” North Rustico is home to MacLeod. She was born and raised there, and now she and her husband and co- owner, Sam, are doing the same with their children. “The harbour has always been such a special place to me and my family,” MacLeod says. “Our summers were spent down at the harbour and it holds a lot of memories for us. The town of Rustico is so unique. It has so much charm and history.” It’s no surprise, then, that when the building where the restaurant is located became available, she didn’t hesitate to “go for it.” “We did not really know what to expect but worked so hard to get it opened,” MacLeod recalls. “I was young and wanted to give my all into creating something that was mine and I wanted people to experience the feeling I got when I was at the harbour. That pure feeling of home and comfort. I wanted that to shine through.” The restaurant and food business is more than familiar to MacLeod. Her dad is a lobster fisherman who runs a deep sea fishing tour in the summertime and she says her mom’s side of the family has “the restaurant industry in our blood.” “My grandmother actually opened one of the first restaurants in North Rustico with another lady many years ago,” she says, adding that she’s been serving in restaurants since she was 16. “I was brought up in the seasonal tourism industry so it feels fitting that my career is also seasonal. I have always loved serving and meeting new guests and making their dining experience something to remember. I also loved the environment of working with many different people that quickly became friends.”
It’s that small town feel that continues to inspire MacLeod about her business. “I love just seeing people enjoy this place as much as I do. Over the years we have put our whole hearts into this business and to see that people appreciate that and enjoy themselves so much when they are here makes it worth it. I also love the people we get to call family each season. We have had some staff with us that have been with us since day one and that is special. This town means so much to me. It’s where I want to keep making memories for years to come.”
► Sam and Kate MacLeod with their children, Vincent and Emma Mae
ON THE DOCK EATERY 318 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico 902.314.7715
SUMMER 2024 www.pei-living.ca
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