Our Town Grille located on Hempstead Avenue in Malverne
Walking through the doors of Malverne’s Our Town Grille, transports patrons back to the 1950’s. Sitting at a booth or the bar, with its pink and green pastel colors, the songs of Motown’s greatest hits playing, can take the youngest visitor on a journey to the past. For over 13 years partners Jerry Carter and Richard Fischello have owned and operated Our Town Grille, which has become a staple on Hempstead Avenue. “This is the third restaurant we have owned and because of its location and patrons it is one of our favorites,” said owner and head chef Carter.
Residing in Massapequa, NY, Carter and Fischello were surprised to witness the small town feel when they first visited Malverne. “Many residents refer to this village as Mayberry from The Andy Griffith’s Show,” joked Carter. He explained that once they opened their business the entire community was supportive.
Opened six days a week, customers anticipate a wait to be seated on any day. “During the weekends, we are at our busiest and have a line out the door, but most people wait to be seated,” said Carter.
They were previously open seven days a week, however the workload became too much for Carter and he felt he deserved a day to rest. “We decided to close on Tuesdays for a while, but then noticed that profits were decreasing drastically and we needed to do something,” he said. With the presence of other eateries on Hempstead Avenue, the owners had to think of something to keep the business open.
Aiming to recoup the money from being closed on Tuesdays, they decided to open on Friday nights to serve dinner. “It took a while for people to find out we are open for dinner, but it is a success now. Looking at the totals of last month and this month so far we are up 35% in profit,” he noted.
Even though there are other restaurants in Malverne, patrons remain loyal to Our Town Grille. “There is the Malverne Diner up the block but I went there once and the service is not the same and the food is not as good,” remarked Edward Rumbelowe, a decade-long patron of the luncheonette.
Throughout the volatile economy, Carter noticed a difference in the ordering habits of his clientele. “We used to have a couple come in and they would order two sodas, two deluxe cheeseburgers and have dessert. However, instead they order one soda and cheeseburger and share it,” said Carter. He noted that this is a similar pattern and it has changed how the business functions. On the bottom of the menus there is sharing charge for customers wanting to share the meal, so the restaurant can make a small profit.
Establishing a catering service including in-house and out, has become popular for any type of parties. “That service goes up and down; we are busy during the spring and winter and slower during summer and fall,” said Carter.
Even though the doors close at 2 p.m., Carter stays in the kitchen till early evening preparing all the food for the next day. “All the food is homemade and made from scratch,” said Carter. He believes that is one of the reasons why residents enjoy visiting. “We do not rush or patrons and let them enjoy every moment of their stay here,” he continued.
Chef and Co-Owner Jerry Carter
Near the kitchen, Our Town Grille’s slogan is painted for everyone to see: “Your Place…Our Pleasure,” signifying, that even though it is a business, the staff of six makes all visitors feels part of a family and wants them to feel at home.
During their 13 years in Malverne, Carter has witnessed different generations in the village and he explains that Our Town Grille has become part of many families. “I have seen parents bring their babies in for breakfast or lunch when we first opened,” he said. “Now I get phone calls from those same parents wanting me to watch their children when they come with friends and make sure they do not cause trouble,” Carter jokingly said.
The friendly atmosphere is not the only reason why people routinely come back; the award-winning food draws people to visit again. Our Town Grille is known for their pancakes and was voted best within the area courtesy of the local community newspaper. “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Our Town is their amazing pancakes,” said Victoria Pupura, a patron of the luncheonette. “I’ve been to numerous local diners and none have come close to how Jerry makes them here,” she continued.
“I just love how when I walk into Our Town I feel that it is a happy, bright environment. It automatically put a smile on my face,” Pupura said. “My mood completely changes and I feel so happy,” she added.
