4 minute read
Don't Forget the Pie!
In its sixth decade, this family-owned restaurant continues using handed-down recipes to delight locals and tourists alike.
Article and photos by Liz Brady
Tucked between two duck ponds, just off PA-31 in Acme, Brady’s Restaurant has been serving up homemade recipes since 1964.
Mildred and Glenn Brady first purchased Fran’s, a tiny curbside diner, with hopes of expanding the operation, and, 60 years later, the family business continues to flourish.
Whether you’re lucky enough to call the scenic Laurel Highlands home, or you just stop by to visit, the Bradys always extend a warm family welcome.
“We’re very grateful to have our long-standing local customers, and we’re not surprised with the influx of travelers coming through. More people are coming in off the hiking trails, they’re coming to ski and raft, and they’re bringing their families. They appreciate our casual family style, and we’re happy to see them enjoying our area,” says Mike Brady, who has owned the restaurant for the last 40 years.
Our restaurant has a lot of moving parts, and it truly is a group effort. We’re very thankful for the passionate employees that we have.
–Joy Brady
“One of my earliest memories is peeling 30-gallon buckets of potatoes with my mother for french fries. So I guess I started in this business pretty young,” he says.
Mike recalls seeing a few famous faces in the restaurant crowd over the years, including Steeler’s coach Bill Cowher, World Series pitcher Kent Tekulve, and Charlie Watts, the drummer for a band known as The Rolling Stones.
“You never know who’s going to be in the area when you have so many attractions so close,” Mike says.
The Team
But what’s the secret to keeping the doors open for six decades? Mike credits his hard-working team.
“We’ve been able to stay open for so long because of a dedicated workforce. Bonnie Little and Brenda Crosby have been with us for 30-plus years in the kitchen. My daughter Ellen has been helping with managing day-to-day operations for 15 years, and Miranda Novak is coming up on her 14th year serving,” Mike says.
“Our restaurant has a lot of moving parts, and it truly is a group effort. We’re very thankful for the passionate employees that we have,” says Joy Brady, who works alongside her husband.
We’ve watched customers grow up here. The little kids who came to feed the ducks with their grandparents are bringing their own kids now. It’s really nice to see them carrying on the tradition.
–Joy Brady
Necessary Changes
As for many mom-and-pop shops across the country, the COVID pandemic prompted a lot of changes, and the Bradys chose to adapt. They invested in a new point-of-sale system that streamlines take-out orders and added online ordering options. Those changes allowed them to keep full-time employees working through shutdowns and restrictions all while continuing to serve the community.
The menu has seen changes since its debut in 1964, but some menu items will always stay the same.
“Our turkey dinner has always been a customer favorite along with the hot roast beef sandwich. We roast our own turkey and beef, our mashed potatoes are real, our gravy and soups are all made from scratch. We put a lot of effort into our menu and have also added healthier plant-based and gluten-friendly options," Joy says.
And you can’t forget the homemade coconut cream pie, a recipe passed down from Mildred Brady that’s still being used today.
The Brady family is passionate when it comes to sourcing local ingredients.
“Hoffer’s Meat Packing of Ligonier has supplied our restaurant with fresh local beef for 50 years. Sunny Slope farm brings locally grown organic produce from Somerset County each week,” says Mike.
No trip to Brady’s is complete until you venture outside to feed the ducks. Many patrons have made it a tradition over the years.
“We’ve watched customers grow up here. The little kids who came to feed the ducks with their grandparents are bringing their own kids now. It’s really nice to see them carrying on the tradition,” Joy says.
Though the past 60 years have flown by, Mike and Joy are confident their daughters will keep the family business thriving for years to come.
For More
Brady’s Restaurant
3242 State Route 31
Acme, PA 15610
724-423-4566
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Closed Monday, Tuesday, and major holidays
