BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine (AP)   Lobster restaurant chain Luke’s Lobster has signed a deal to take over operation of a historic pier in Maine.

The Bangor Daily News reports Luke’s Lobster has signed a lease with the owners of Carter’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor to use it as a commercial fishing wharf.

Luke’s Lobster will buy all of the catch, which will be served to its customers at its more than 40 locations.

The Boothbay Region Maritime Foundation bought the wharf, formerly known as Sea Pier, amid a local dispute over increasing development on the east side of the harbor.

Foundation President Deanne Tibbetts says they are looking forward to the partnership with Luke’s Lobster.

Officials say both parties plan to explore forming a fisherman’s cooperative in the future.