by Kendra Mills
On the Vineyard, the name “Murdick’s” calls to mind the mouth-watering, buttery confectionery found in the island’s favorite fudge shop. The business famous for its treats—fudge, brittle, popcorn, and more—has been in operation on the Vineyard for decades. Murdick’s is well-known for its adventurous recipes like Cape Cod Cranberry, and the shop is second to none when it comes to perfecting the art of food production and customer service. It only makes sense that the sister business, Murdick’s Cafe, displays the same attentiveness to excellence. Business owner Mike McCourt opened the cafe in 2011, in a space previously rented to Old Stone Bakery and Gourmet Bakery in Edgartown. He spoke with This Week on MV about his business, emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality customer service.
“I think the most consistent customers we have are local storekeepers and local owners. We have regulars. We really like to accommodate everybody. If you’re a tourist and coming into the store for the first time we treat you the same as somebody who’s come in for the fiftieth time.”
McCourt also understands the importance of quality food, as he only purchases high end meats, like Boar’s Head ham and turkey. Boar’s Head brand is committed to distributing products containing no fillers, artificial colors, or transfats and Murdicks prides themselves on offering these premium quality products. The sandwiches made at Murdick’s are not only healthy options for a family picnic or bite during the workday, but they are also unfailingly delicious.
Mudicks can take a traditional sandwich and, with diligence to ingredients and preparation, make it into something exceptional. Favorites at Murdick’s Cafe include the turkey club, made with the customer’s choice from a selection of fresh breads. Of course, the classic sandwich includes chopped fresh lettuce and tomato, as well as turkey and bacon and served with Cape Cod chips or a pickle. Breakfast sandwiches are also a massive hit at Murdick’s. The cafe has a special technique for cooking eggs that keeps them from becoming dry, which, along with some bacon, can be folded into a fresh croissant for the perfect mid morning breakfast.
However, even as Murdick’s improves upon old standards, the cafe develops new enticing ideas too. McCourt lists recent additions, “The apple fritters we’ve developed this year. We also have a new corned beef sandwich.”Apple fritters, along with the cafe’s unbeatable cinnamon rolls, have quickly become early morning treats to customers stopping in to grab coffee.
Whether stopping by for a mid-day lunch or breakfast on the go, Murdick’s Cafe hunkers down Edgartown as a satisfying option to fill your tummy for a nominal cost. And that famous fudge they make? Don’t worry, you don’t have to travel far – the confectionary is only right next door.
