Meet Dennis Kennedy of Kennedy’s Pub in Marlborough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Kennedy.

Dennis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
One of my fondest memories of childhood was sneaking in the back door of my grandfather’s hotel. I loved watching the operation and all the craziness of the kitchen. Another favorite memory is being in my great grandmother’s house where all the smells of the kitchen filled the house. She cooked what seemed like all day long using herbs from her garden. That was the inspiration.

I was a chef in the area running renowned restaurants such as the Maridor and the Sea and Surf in Framingham, MA. In 1973 I was asked to develop and operate the Coach Lite Restaurant on Main St. in Marlborough, MA. It was at this once very popular gathering place that many loyal friends convinced me that it was time to venture on my own.

I took all I had including my home and bought an old house that was being used as a private club and with the support of my family began my dream.

My wife, Carolyn left her career in nursing and did the interior decorating, menu planning and ran the front of the house. All my children followed suit and did whatever was necessary from dish-washing to serving to cooking.

I was fortunate to have great friends and family to work countless hours to help me achieve my dream.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Success is rarely a smooth road! We have worked many long hours together and made many sacrifices along the way. But even through hard times whether help related or sheer economics, we always had each other!

Kennedy’s Pub – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a home away from home. Scratch kitchen serving traditional pub fare with famous Delmonico potatoes, Fresh seafood and marinated sirloin tips. We also make popovers every day.

The restaurant’s popularity has grown across the country with people ordering our Delmonico potatoes and steak tips shipped to their vacation spots and family members as far away as California!

Kennedy’s is a known gathering place for office holders and politicians who often stop by on their campaign trail. We were lucky to have JFK Jr, Marcia cross and the like dine with us. We even had a recent movie filmed here. It will be released in April 2018 (Super Trooper 2)

We also opened a market (Kennedy’s Market) on our property where we sell our products to take home. Many customers would come to our kitchen door asking to buy our Delmonico potatoes or Chicken Supreme and popovers. It was a sign for us to expand. At our market we offer fresh seafood, steaks and sandwiches as well as heat and eat prepared foods.

Our staff truly sets us apart. They are all part of our family. Many working with us since we opened the doors in 1981. We are very fortunate!

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Really my proudest moment isn’t just a moment in time. When I step back and look at my immediate family and the “family” I am surrounded by and the sense of community we have created, I am most proud. I realize that the food industry is not an easy one with long hours and perishable goods! I am proud of all of us being able to work with each other for over 36 years and still enjoy each other’s company!!

I am excited for the future of our company as our grandchildren come of age to step in and take it to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Address: 247 A Maple St Marlborough, MA 01752
• Website: www.kennedyspub.com
• Phone: 508-485-5800
• Email: info@kennedyspub.com
• Facebook: kennedy’s restaurant

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