| Hart’s has a unique and interesting background. In the late 1940’s, brothers Russ and Larry Hart and their wives left New Jersey to begin farming in New Hampshire. Helen and Gerda helped their husbands in growing vegetables and apples; in addition, the two couples sold chickens, eggs and turkeys from a delivery truck. In 1953, they raised turkeys exclusively and in 1954 opened a 12-seat restaurant specializing in delicious turkey sandwiches and dinners. “Quality, service and home-style cooking” have always been the restaurant’s motto and highest priority. |
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Hart's in 1954 (click for larger view)
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| Russ became the sole owner when his brother Larry passed away in 1960. In 1965, he phased out raising his own turkeys, discovering that he could equal the quality of the home-grown birds by selectively purchasing them from turkey farms that met his standards of quality. That step allowed him more time to perfect his skills as a chef and restauranteur. |
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Hart's in 1957 (click for larger view)
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| During the past two generations, our ever-growing numbers of satisfied customers have encouraged us to expand the restaurant’s size many times, and we now seat nearly 500 people. We have also extensively renovated the kitchen and storage areas to create one of the most spacious, modern and efficient kitchens in New England. These facilitate the work of our Catering Service which can serve thousands of people at one event. The Gift Shop in the lobby was added in 1988. We eagerly look toward the future and the growth of our role as your hosts. |
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Hart's in 1960 (click for larger view)
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| The restaurant has been a family endeavor from the start. Russ’s mother, Grandma Mae, started what may the world’s largest plate collection which visitors can see displayed on the walls of our dining rooms. In 1986 Russ and Helen’s children, Lynn, Dale, Russell T. and Glenn, purchased the restaurant and continued their active involvement in its daily operations. In February 1998 we lost Glenn suddenly; again, our friends and the community came together to support our family in another passing, as was the case when we lost Larry in 1960, Grandma Mae in 1980, Marilyn, (Larry & Russ Sr.’s sisten) in 1994 and Russ Sr. in 1995. We are also supported by a hard-working staff as well as the third generation Hart children who share our commitment to quality food and good service. |
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Hart's in 1965 (click for larger view)
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