Sullivan's on Castle Island Considers Expansion to Hingham

A recognizable name in summer treats is moving forward with a plan to expand to the South Shore. Sullivan's has proposed building a new 2,400-square foot eatery and bath house at the Hingham Bathing Beach off Route 3A, Boston Restaurant Talk reports.

Sullivan's has been a seasonal institution at the South Boston park since 1951. Reopening at the end of February every year, Sullivan's is known for its hot dogs and long lines that move quickly, the Boston Globe reported. It is run by the fourth generation of the Sullivan family. The Hingham location would be its second-ever restaurant and would have a "similar feel" to the original.

The three-member Hingham Bathing Beach board of trustees asked for proposals for a new concession stand and bath house to lease space at the beach, and Sullivan's is the only company that submitted, the Hingham Journal reported in January. The current plan is to demolish the existing 800-square foot bath house and rebuild new facilities. Currently, restrooms are only open when the beach is staffed; putting them under the purview of Sullivan's would extend their hours to 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. from March through November, when the snack shack plans to be open. The concession stand would also help generate revenue for beach maintenance, the Journal notes.

Sullivan's is halfway through a 60-day extension period granted by the beach board to review engineering issues at the Hingham site. If all moves forward, construction could begin later this year and the second Sullivan's could open in spring 2016.