Brandon, Brody, Megan and Jacob DiMartino. Photo by Marianne Christy
There will be much more than meets the eye for folks strolling the streets of downtown Inlet this summer as Brandon and Megan DiMartino open the doors to their latest venture, Putterfingers Mini-Golf and Arcade.
The DiMartinos, owners of the Tamarack Café, will unveil the outdoor mini golf course situated behind their Main Street eatery, on Friday, June 21st.
The complex features the 18-hole course and 11 arcade games—including tabletop bowling, foosball and a variety of claw games. There is also a Snack Shack offering light fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, chicken fingers, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream novelties and beverages. Enclosed seating is available as well as convenient off-street parking.
Brody and Megan DiMartino
The DiMartinos, the parents of two young sons, Brody, 2, and eight-month-old Jacob, were prompted to start the business when they recognized a void in family-oriented downtown options—particularly during the bustling summer and fall seasons.
They came up with the concept last fall and got Steve LaMesa of MGC Developers of Connecticut to help with the design. Jantzi Construction of Croghan was contracted to execute the plans.
LaMesa, who owns property in the area, sat in as a consultant for the construction of the first four holes of the course, with Jantzi recently wrapping up the remainder of the project independently.
Brody DiMartino with Tamarack Cafe employee Tibi Turu. Photos by Marianne Christy
The DiMartinos said the building process has invited a lot of curiosity seekers who have stopped by to take a look and offer well-wishes. The interest was welcomed, Megan said, due to the anxiety that comes along with creating a brand new business.
“We have put our hearts and souls into this. And in the beginning, it was pretty hard for even us to picture what it would look like,” she said.
“We have gotten a tremendous amount of positive feedback and support from the community and other downtown businesses. Some have said they are going to work their evening hours around our’s because they know it will attract more foot traffic,” Brandon said.
Inlet Supervisor John Frey and Inlet Tourism Director Adele Burnett agree that the new venture will enhance the community at large.
“I’m thrilled about the new addition of the mini golf course and arcade. It will invite more people to wander around town and give kids and visitors more to do,” Burnett said.
“We’re excited about having the challenging outdoor 18-hole mini-golf here in Inlet. I applaud Brandon and Megan DiMartino for bringing in a fine replacement for the foot traffic once created by the movie theater. The golf course and arcade will create a continual flow of traffic which could inspire neighboring businesses to stay open later— it’s a great addition to the town,” Frey said.
Putterfingers will be open on Friday, June 21 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The cost of playing 18-holes of mini golf is $6 and as an opening weekend special, the DiMartinos will be offering $1 hotdogs.
Beginning Friday, June 28 Putterfingers will be open seven days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
