The year was 1997 when Bob McCarthy decided it was time to turn his dreams into reality. The Melrose, Massachusetts native relocated his family to the charming Cape Cod town of Dennis Port, Massachusetts, the place he vacationed his entire life. With vast experience in real estate and sales, Bob sold his real estate company and poured his heart and soul into transforming a cherished childhood summer spot into a new hotel venture, "On the Cape". 

Bob transformed the Pelham House Resort into a sought-after vacation destination and exclusive wedding venue. At the time, it was mostly Bob and his son, John McCarthy, running the establishment. John recalls doing any and all tasks needed, from cleaning the rooms and pool, answering the phone, raking the beach, and even cooking breakfast for their hotel guests.

In 1998, the resort hosted its inaugural tented wedding on the stunning shore of Nantucket Sound, marking the beginning of numerous memorable, iconic events. Bob ensured every part of the events were seamless, even personally catering every wedding for the subsequent five years. It was clear that hosting premier events and caring for guests with exceptional passion became Bob's great "labor of love." Over a decade, Bob began to transform the Pelham House into an unparalleled event and vacation destination, setting a new standard across Cape Cod.

In 2007, Bob sold the Pelham House to a development group, with himself and John stepping into the role of General Managers. Under the development group, the Pelham House evolved with renovations and updates while maintaining its esteemed reputation for exceptional weddings and memorable guest experiences. 

Still, the McCarthys couldn't help but think that there was untapped potential lying in the growing resort.

Tragically, Bob McCarthy passed away in 2017 after battling Vascular Dementia, leaving behind not just a lasting legacy of hospitality excellence, but also a genuine warmth that left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. 

In 2018, John McCarthy was approached by father and son-in-law duo Dennis Leary and Frank Hursey. The two offered to partner with John to reclaim total ownership of the Pelham House. John was thrilled at the idea of getting ownership back, and together they embarked on a new chapter dedicated to finalizing Bob's ultimate vision. 

Just four months after meeting with Dennis and Frank for the first time, extensive renovations began. They gutted all the rooms and transformed the hotel piece by piece. But the vision didn’t end there. At the time, weddings were still under tents in the lawn and the extent of the culinary team was complimentary breakfast. John and his partners then set out to blueprint a building next door that would be a wedding venue and a restaurant. 

Through the hard work of the team, the addition of a new oceanfront wedding venue and rooftop restaurant was completed in 2020. This solidified Pelham House as one of the premier destinations on Cape Cod. From the ground up (literally), John and his team crafted the iconic Pelham Hospitality experience.

Today, the 8,000-square-foot resort looks over the same stunning views it did nearly 30 years ago, but now encapsulates decades of dedication, passion, and the realization of a long-held dream. 

 

As business grew and demand increased, Pelham Hospitality bought and renovated Pelham on Earle and Pelham on Main, both 27-room hotels offering unique coastal retreats with full access to Pelham House amenities. When more space for pastry creation was needed, Pelham on the Rise opened as a production facility and a storefront; now a scratch retail bakery that also produces several baked goods for all Pelham properties. 

 

As John’s mother Maureen proudly notes, “It is clear that John has picked up Bob’s work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile”. Today, John and his dedicated team honor Bob's memory by delivering unparalleled guest experiences and continuing to innovate hospitality.

Today, as Pelham Hospitality continues to expand, John McCarthy says he still pinches himself every day. He expresses deep appreciation for his partners and team for helping him to fulfill his father’s dream and taking it to new heights.

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