About Us

On March 12, 1932 in Des Plaines, Illinois, Anton Van Dereck Haunstrup was born. Napi was raised in Provincetown. In the summer of 1955, Napi met his wife Helen Haunstrup. Over 40 years ago the site of Napi’s Restaurant was a string of auto garages which housed Helen and Napi’s antique business. Two years later the Van Derecks decided to enter the restaurant business, and the construction began. Napi, a builder, and craftsman himself assembled composed of friends that included; Mike Bagley, Bob Baker, and other talented townspeople. A new restaurant was created from many reclaimed and salvaged materials. Skills and imagination were active partners in the construction. Jackson Lambert showed us that the world is full of beautiful, but discarded building materials. From a lumber salvage yard in Quincy came quantities of yellow pine torn out of old factories in Boston. They were refinished and given a second life. Gradually the building took shape. 

As it did, the antiques were incorporated into the restaurant. You will see them around as you dine. Provincetown is the most famous art colony in the United States. Napi and Helen’s roots go back to the days of Eugene O’Neill. They have collected artwork from those glorious days as well as the present. It was felt, from the outset, that the restaurant should represent the town and the creative people who have lived here. Look around and enjoy the artwork displayed in the dining area. There is Conrad Malicoat’s unique brick mural, sculptures by Al Davis, cartoons from the pen of Howie Schneider, and many fine paintings by John Whorf, Sal Del Deo, George Yater, Frank Milby, and many more artists representing decades of the aesthetic tradition that have made Provincetown famous as a home for the arts. Napi’s is proud to play an active part in that tradition. He is truly missed. Napi will always be in our hearts and we will continue his legacy for him!