Nestled in between the Block Island Historical Society and the Poor People’s Pub on Ocean Avenue, Captain Nick’s has been noticeably silent and dark this summer after former owners Marc and Katie Scortino decided not to manage the business this year.
That changed the weekend of Aug. 7, when the venue re-opened under the ownership of the Willi family, with Marc Scortino bringing music to the venue that has been home to the Block Island MusicFest for the past decade.
“I began my career at Captain Nick’s as the island’s smallest bouncer in 1996. It’s been a privilege to have been the caretaker of this storied establishment for the last 10 years. I’m looking forward to remaining on as entertainment coordinator under Chris and Jess [Willi]. They are good friends, wonderful people, and the right folks for the job. And it makes sense because Chris is an actual Captain. So Captain Nick’s will be helmed properly,” said Scortino.
Jessica Willi, who is the Tourism Director on Block Island, chatted with The Block Island Times on the family’s new ownership:
“I’ve worked at Captain Nick’s for the past eight years or so and both my parents worked at the
