“Good Old Days†EateryBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, April 18, 2005
 | | An on-premises sign says it all. |
Pownal, Vt. – Juicy, hand-shaped, cooked-to-order hamburgers, creamy milkshakes, and decadent ice cream sundaes are standard fare at the Good Old Days Ice Cream Parlor and Grill on Route 7.
Town residents Leanne Silber and Neil Krawczyk partnered to purchase and operate the eatery in 2004. The former Jaegerhause and Stagecoach restaurant site underwent renovations meant to create a family-friendly, ice cream parlor atmosphere and the restaurant menu prices were set with family budgets in mind, said Silber.
“We are the good old days,†she said during an April 17 interview. “We’re making the big sirloin patties. We’re not buying frozen patties. Each patty is weighed before it is cooked. We don’t accept credit cards because of the [credit card company] fees and we have a small staff. That way, we can keep prices down but be able to buy the sirloin and the better quality items.â€
The restaurant does accept personal checks, she noted.
The eatery offers take-out or eat-in service and its’ menu includes ¼-pound cheeseburgers for $2.75, ½-pound “Good Old Boy†burgers topped with cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles for $4.25, and kielbasa covered with onions or sauerkraut for $3.50. Pizza is made on the premises, and a grinder sandwich menu offers choices including philly cheesesteak, Italian-style, and build-your-own sandwich options. 
"Good Old Days" restaurant co-owner Leanne Silber |
Milkshake flavors range from the traditional chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and coffee to the unexpected, such as pineapple and caramel. Desserts dubbed “sinful sundaes†are proving very popular, Silber said.
“We sell more of the sinful sundaes than I ever thought we would,†she said. “People love them.†Hood and Blue Bunny brand ice cream is used at the restaurant.
Krawczyk, a Pownal native, and Silber, a native of San Diego, Calif., had spent three years as owners and operators of an Addison, Vt.-based recreational vehicle park when Krawczyk expressed a desire to return to southern Vermont, Silber said. The couple sold the park and investigated buying several area properties before choosing the Pownal site, she said. The restaurant opened on Aug. 2, and closed during March. The eatery re-opened on April 7.
The red-and-white counter area boasts an old-style gadget that spins and dispenses “sprinkles†onto ice cream cones. The dining room hosts a coin-operated pool table and jukebox, and tables are equipped with “brain-teaser†games. The décor emphasizes an “Americana†style. The restaurant has a beer-and-wine license, and special occasions such as child or adult birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, or other events may be hosted at the restaurant. Party plans include free use of the pool table. 
A restaurant-made "Snicker's Melt" sundae |
Whether the eatery will operate as a seasonal or year-‘round venue hasn’t been decided, Silber said, but the couple has made one determination. Silber and Krawczyk said they are delighted with the welcome they’ve received from their clientele. “The people here are great,†Silber said. “I’ve never met friendlier people in my life.â€
Current hours are Thurs., Sat., and Sun., 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fri., 11:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.. The restaurant is closed Mon.-Wed. through May under the operating schedule. For more information, to order take-out service, or schedule a party, call 802-823-5200. |
