‘Watershed Moment’ Leads to New Restaurant in Montague
A warm and inviting view from the bar into the dining area
Owners Melissa and James
Melissa Stetson and James Fitzgerald recently opened Watershed Restaurant at The Book Mill in Montague. The name Watershed, doesn’t stand for the restaurant being by a beautiful river. Instead, when it was decided that they would begin this venture together, they saw it as truly life changing. It was a watershed moment—a point in time in which there is a change in course, a change in affairs—and that is exactly what the entire adventure has been for them.
Melissa is homegrown here in the 413 (Deerfield) and James is originally from Buffalo, NY. When the two met in 2013, each was pursuing their own career paths. When the covid pandemic hit and everything shut down, there was time to think about what truly would speak to their hearts from a career standpoint.
Melissa had always wanted to own a high-end wine bar and realized that, not only wasn’t she getting any younger, but that eventually the pandemic was going to be over and people would want to go out and enjoy themselves again. James encouraged her to pursue her dream of a wine bar and was interested in becoming an owner as well. So, the search for the ideal place began.
The Book Mill complex on the Sawmill River
It was quickly clear that a high-end wine bar might not be the best choice for the area. The idea then morphed into a wine and bourbon bar. Then it became a wine, bourbon and craft beer bar idea. The regulations in MA requiring food be sold where alcohol is consumed, turned the idea, at that point, into a restaurant. Still, the search was on for the ideal spot.
Many restaurants in the valley had closed with the onset of the pandemic. Spaces were available, but none of the spaces seemed right. Eventually, the two came across the existing spot at The Book Mill. This spot had all of the right amenities including a spectacular outside deck overlooking the Sawmill River. This was truly the best space and they were lucky enough to end up getting it.
Through the process, James and Melissa have focused on building their team. The team is a family and that is how they want everyone who works at Watershed to feel.
“It’s a place where we all come together, leave our “stuff” at the front door, and become a unit of work, support and encouragement for each other,” says James.
Every staff member contributes to the positive experience the customers enjoy. They experience friendliness, attentiveness, delicious food, a comfortable atmosphere, and enjoyment. Every customer is important and valued. They make Watershed what it truly is, a place where everyone feels at home.
Watershed Restaurant aims to support the community by purchasing locally from farms and businesses in the valley. This allows the restaurant to offer seasonal dishes that change to keep the menu interesting and offer only the freshest ingredients possible.
The restaurant also supports dietary restrictions. James, being vegan, insisted on this. “In many restaurants I am only able to order a salad or French fries. I also never quite feel right asking the chef to make me something vegan,” he says. So, at Watershed, they make it easy for people with many different food preferences.
Outdoor patio overlooking the river
Community support extends beyond food with a commitment to support local artists, musicians, authors, and other talents in the region. Watershed offers live music on Thursday nights and during Sunday brunch. It is all part of the experience, part of the big package. When someone dines at Watershed, they are going to leave fulfilled, in more ways than just the palate.
“We’d like to change how people view going out to eat in our area. Having a warm welcoming space where everyone feels at home, allows people to relax and simply enjoy the entire experience,” says Melissa.
There is a desire for the space to be a destination for people, not just from around the Montague area, but from throughout the 413.
For more information contact info@watershed440.com or call 413-367-3085.
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