The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Morgan Bettencourt and Frank Alviani in our "Community Proud" series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

For Morgan Bettencourt and Frank Alviani, opening Dock 9 was never just about serving great food and drinks. It was about creating a gathering place for the community that helped shape them.

The Westerly natives opened Dock 9 at the Velvet Mill in December 2024 with excitement, optimism, and a vision for a space where people could celebrate life's milestones, connect with friends, and feel at home. What they could not have known at the time was that just two weeks after opening their doors, they would receive another life-changing surprise: they were expecting their first child.

Today, their daughter Stevie Lee is nine months old and, according to Morgan and Frank, "the best thing that's ever happened to us."

Their story is one of family, perseverance, community, and entrepreneurship. It is also a story that proves meaningful businesses are often built by people willing to take risks while staying deeply connected to their roots.

The couple first met while working at General Dynamics Electric Boat. At the same time, Morgan was bartending part-time at Perks & Corks in Westerly, where many of the early conversations that would eventually become Dock 9 began. While Morgan had spent most of her life in hospitality, starting at just 14 years old, Frank brought a different skill set to the partnership. With a degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from Providence College, he brought a strong foundation in business operations and financial management.

Together, their backgrounds proved to be the perfect complement.

Both Morgan and Frank are super hands on with the business. They are also supported by family, including Morgan's brother, Noah Bettencourt, who plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of Dock 9.

Community has always been at the center of everything Morgan and Frank do. Growing up in Westerly and spending their lives in the Westerly-Stonington area taught them the value of neighbors supporting neighbors. They have experienced firsthand how this community rallies around people during both celebrations and hardships, and they wanted Dock 9 to reflect that same spirit.

"We love being somewhere people celebrate birthdays, stop in after work, bring their kids, catch up with friends, or sit at the bar for an hour because they had a rough day," they shared.

That commitment to community extends far beyond the restaurant itself. One cause particularly close to Morgan's heart is The Cardinal Foundation, which she founded in memory of her late mother, Julie Lynn Cardinal. Julie's love for the community left a lasting impression on Morgan and continues to inspire her desire to give back. Through Dock 9, Morgan and Frank have been able to host events and fundraisers that support causes meaningful to them while bringing people together for a greater purpose.

When reflecting on their journey, the couple is most proud of what Dock 9 has become in a relatively short period of time.

"We took an empty storage space and turned it into a full-time restaurant and bar," they said. "It challenged us in ways we never expected, but it also gave us a deeper appreciation for each other, our family, and the community that continues to support us."

While many people focus on the financial side of business ownership, Morgan and Frank measure success differently. Seeing regular guests become friends, watching families gather around a table, and hearing that someone chose Dock 9 to celebrate an important moment means more to them than any sales figure ever could.

The authenticity they bring to the business is one reason so many people have connected with them. They pride themselves on being approachable, honest, and present. Whether it's remembering a guest's name, listening to feedback, or acknowledging when something can be improved, they believe trust is built through consistency and genuine relationships.

The couple has also become active members of both the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, building valuable relationships and finding new ways to support fellow business owners. Through collaborations, local events, fundraisers, and partnerships throughout the Velvet Mill community, they have created a strong network of support and friendship.

As new parents, much of their inspiration now comes from Stevie Lee.

"We want her to grow up seeing that hard work, family, and building something together can be really fulfilling," they said.

Outside of Dock 9, family remains their greatest passion. Their two French Bulldogs, Angus and Dino, have become local celebrities around the Velvet Mill. When they're not working, Morgan and Frank enjoy spending time with Stevie, walking the dogs, exploring local restaurants, and making memories with family and friends. Morgan is also a talented singer, while Frank proudly describes himself as a lifelong New York Knicks fan.

As they continue building Dock 9 and raising their young family, Morgan and Frank remain grateful for the support they've received from the community they have always called home.

They would also like to recognize the people who helped make Dock 9 possible, including Noah Bettencourt, whose leadership and countless hours have been instrumental from the beginning; Sydney, whose creativity and operational support have helped shape the business; Bryan and Jenn Keilty, whose encouragement gave them the confidence to take the leap into ownership; and their friend Jean Michael, affectionately known as their "social media king."

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Morgan Bettencourt and Frank Alviani in our Community Proud series. Through entrepreneurship, community involvement, family values, and a genuine commitment to creating meaningful connections, they have built much more than a restaurant. They have created a gathering place that reflects the spirit of the community they love and proudly call home.