On December 30, 2002, David Weinstein, with his son Brad, opened Appetites on Main, located in the Main Street at Exton shopping area. That first day, a customer ordered a Caesar salad off the menu and David realized he didn’t have croutons. He quickly grabbed some Italian bread, sliced it up, seasoned and baked it to create his very own salad toppers. The customer had no idea that her salad was almost a disaster, but she complimented David on the best croutons she had ever eaten. Those homemade croutons remain on the menu today, as does Appetites on Main’s focus on pleasing their customers.
Ten years is a long time to be successful in the restaurant business, and restaurant staff is usually known for having a high turnover rate. Owner Brad Weinstein credits much of his restaurant’s success over the past 10 years to keeping many of those on his opening day staff on board. Michelle has been behind the bar for the full 10 years. Sean, who started as a bartender and is now also the manager, has also been on staff for 10 years. Danielle, a server, has been at Appetites for 9 years, and Jen has been bartending for 8 years. The “new girl on the block,” Kari, has only been serving at the restaurant for 5 years.
I sat down to talk to each of the long-term employees about their memories of working at Appetites on Main and what keeps them there. What struck me about each one of them was their passion for Appetites, their smiles and laughter when relating stories and the way that they refer to each other, and their customers, as family.
Manager/Bartender Sean likened Appetites on Main to the iconic show Cheers—a place where everybody knows your name. I glanced at the crowded bar and asked him if he knew any of the customers. He quickly named almost every single patron sitting at the bar. I asked him who had been coming in the longest and he identified Tom, who was sitting across the room with a lively group of friends. I walked over and introduced myself and asked Tom how long he had been coming to Appetites. He said he had been coming in for eight years and that Appetites was like his second home. Tom introduced me to his friends and explained that the group had all met at Appetites over the years. Tom related that these bar friends had become actual friends, more like family. The whole group reiterated that the staff members at Appetites were also their friends and like family and that they even sometimes spend holidays together.
Not to be outdone, customer Ellen, with her husband Ray, walked over to me. She had heard I was doing a story on Appetites (word travels fast around here!) and wanted to tell me that she and Ray had been coming in for the full 10 years. I asked her why and I heard the same response: The customers and staff are friendly and the staff all knows your name. She also pointed out the wall of windows that was letting in beautiful spring sunlight and noted how bright it is in the restaurant and that it contributes to the happy Cheers-like atmosphere.
When I spoke to Jen the bartender, she related that she also knew all of her regular customers very well. She pointed out that single men would start bringing in their girlfriends and then the couple would get married. A little while later, the couple would have kids and then start coming in as a family. She has watched families grow and really enjoys meeting these little new “regulars.” I asked her what she would do if a regular customer suddenly didn’t show up for a few days. She simply stated that she would call them, as if every bartender not only knows her customers’ names and drinks of choice but also has them on speed dial!
One of Appetites’ best features that has evolved over their 10 years in business is their outdoor seating area. If you have never been, it is a must try! The large patio is filled with tables with umbrellas to keep you shaded during the hot weather and heat lamps to keep you warm on chilly spring or fall evenings. The patio is both kid and dog friendly. In fact, look for the restaurant to introduce a brand new dog menu soon to keep your pooch happy while you dine. There is a DJ on the patio on Fridays during Happy Hour and they open the large windows to let the sunshine, fresh air and music into the restaurant.
Another feature that has developed over the past 10 years is their growing beer selection. Appetites now boasts 14 taps and over 80 craft bottles. Their rotating craft beer taps means that there is always something new being offered. They always keep in touch with their customers via Facebook and Twitter to let them know what is currently being served.
Of course, Appetites has a large menu of tasty appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and steaks, signature hot dogs and kielbasas, as well as dinner entrees. Because the menu is so diverse, I asked the staff for some recommendations. Michelle enjoys the salmon and ahi tuna; Kari likes the build-your-own-salad option or anything “buffalo,” like the strips or wings; Jen says the nachos and the grilled chicken BLT wrap are her go-to menu picks; and Danielle recommends the cheesesteak quesadilla.
Even though much has changed over their 10 years in business, the features that remain the same are the consistently friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as the huge portions of delicious food at an affordable price.
Happy 10th anniversary, Appetites on Main. Here’s to many more years of outstanding service and food in the Exton area!
Appetites on Main is located at 286 Main Street in Exton; phone: (610) 594-2030.
Staff photos by Ronna Dewey; food/beer photos by Nina Lea Photography.
