Capt. John’s Seafood House, a longtime waterfront landmark in Newburg, Charles County, is officially on the market. The property, which has been family-owned and operated for more than six decades, includes a full-service restaurant, convenience store, take-out area, on-site fuel pumps and a marina with more than 40 boat slips.
The approximately 8,712-square-foot restaurant building features indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with licenses for on-sale and off-sale beer, wine and spirits, plus Maryland Lottery sales. The marina offers daily and overnight docking, many slips with electric and water hookups. The entire business, real property, marina and furniture/fixtures are included in the sale.
Established in 1963 by Capt. John Shymansky, Capt. John’s has been a staple of Southern Maryland’s dining and boating scene for over 60 years. The restaurant specializes in Maryland steamed crabs, crab cakes, fresh seafood, steak and chicken, with a family-friendly atmosphere and an open-air deck overlooking Neale Sound. It is located directly off the Wicomico and Potomac rivers in Charles County, making it a popular destination for boaters, local residents and visitors from the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia metro areas.
The property’s strategic location provides easy access for recreational boaters on the Potomac River and draws steady seasonal traffic from the greater D.C. region. Charles County’s waterfront communities have seen increased interest in recent years as more people seek outdoor dining and boating experiences close to the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Capt. John’s massive digital footprint, with nearly 50,000 Facebook followers, offers the next owner immediate marketing reach and customer loyalty.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is handling the listing. The business will be sold under a separate contract from the real property.
For Charles County, the sale of such an iconic waterfront business represents both an opportunity and a milestone. The county has worked to promote tourism and economic development along its rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, with attractions like Cobb Island, Swan Point and the Potomac River drawing visitors year-round. Restaurants and marinas like Capt. John’s contribute significantly to the local economy through jobs, tax revenue and support for related businesses such as bait shops, fuel services and boat maintenance.
The announcement comes as Southern Maryland continues to see growth in waterfront recreation and tourism. Charles County officials have emphasized preserving and enhancing public access to the water while supporting private businesses that bring visitors to the area. Capt. John’s has long served as a gathering place for families, boaters and community events, making its future ownership an important topic for local residents.
Potential buyers include owner-operators or investors looking for a turnkey waterfront hospitality asset with proven profitability and strong growth potential. The property’s combination of restaurant, marina, fuel services and retail licenses creates multiple revenue streams.
More information about the listing is available through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty at (410) 394-0990.
