Celebrating 20 Years of Making the World's Best Beach Chairs

President and "Chair-man," Justin Labdon, sitting in vintage Cape Cod Beach Chairs with original shop dog, Brewster.

 

Two decades ago native Cape Codder, Justin Labdon, turned in his suit and tie and mornings stuck in heavy Boston traffic for the American dream. Sitting in a rusty metal beach chair on the roof of his North End condo in 2002, Justin was inspired to return to his roots and create the most comfortable, enduring beach chair that reflected the spirit of Cape Cod. Growing up, Justin developed a love for sailing, surfing and the beauty of the Cape. He combined this passion and appreciation with his business education and experience to develop a detailed business plan for the Cape Cod Beach Chair Company.

He presented the plan to his then fiancé, Jill, and soon after they were married, the two moved back down the Cape to Sandwich where Justin started building chairs in his garage. The original model was named “The Beachcomber,”after his favorite bar, and incorporated a sturdy wood frame and canvas seating that reflected Justin’s lifelong love of sailing. From the start, the Cape Cod Beach Chairs had a distinctive appearance and quality. In the beginning, Justin made each chair by hand, sewing fabric, cutting wood, and assembling the pieces. Not too long after he officially established the business in 2003, Justin was able to expand, hiring part time employees in the busiest summer months to help with assembly, and Jill served as the treasurer.
 
Original beach chair models

 

From those humble beginnings the company has grown immensely, and the chairs have become a staple on the beaches of Cape Cod and beyond. Although the designs continue to evolve and Justin continues to innovate to create the most comfortable, durable beach chair available, the chairs today resemble the original models that customers first fell in love with. The chairs are highly customizable, which is in large part why they are so beloved by so many. The ability to add personalized embroidery has helped the chairs make their way into the hearts of many families who continue to return to create chairs to celebrate important milestones, such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and more.

Giant beach chair outside company store in Harwich, MA

The operation has long since outgrown the humble garage that the chairs were originally built in. Today the chairs are assembled and embroidered in a 130-year old barn in Harwich, MA. A hidden Cape Cod gem, the CCBC store never fails to impress first time visitors with the pleasant and thorough experience of creating your own beach chair and the wide selection of beach essentials stocked in store. It’s hard to miss the iconic giant beach chair that stands outside the store.

From the beginning Cape Cod Beach Chairs have been a hit amongst local beach goers. Soon after the company was established it was featured on the local television show Chronicle, and since then has been featured on news stations, such as Fox News, and in publications, such as Boston Magazine. The unique chairs have been displayed on the cover of magazines such as Yankee Magazine and most recently Harwich Magazine. Over the years, they have been sent to customers and resorts around the world, including in Europe and the Caribbean. The Cape Cod Beach Chairs are favored on beach across the globe.

     

     Cape Cod Beach Chair on the cover of Yankee Magazine

Cape Cod Beach Chair on the beach in St. John   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because of the quality of materials and design, the chairs will last for a lifetime of beach memories, and because of the customizability you can create a beach chair that you will be excited to take on adventures on Cape Cod and beyond. Cape Cod Beach Chair is grateful for your support over the past 20 years and looks forward to continuing to make the best beach chairs for you. 

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