Lately, I have been thinking about what Greenfield had in the way of restaurants and luncheonettes decades ago. Presently, Hope and Olive on Hope Street, Taylor’s Tavern on Main Street and Brad’s Place on Main Street are three that have been open for many years and are still in business.
Earlier eateries that existed include the following: Alvin and Olga’s, an upstairs restaurant on Federal Street was one of the finer places to eat out. Bill’s, further up the same street, was a very popular eatery for all. Two others, Minute Man Diner and Rita’s, were also on lower Federal Street. There was another one next to the current Dollar General that offered fine food and fare for many years.
The Village Pizza on Bank Row is another restaurant that has had a long history of being open to serve the public.
Restaurants on Main Street were Alberti’s, Sullivan’s and Carl’s Tea Room and The Hub on Fiske Avenue. On Ames Street, there was Frank’s Lunch, which served customers in a regular dining car.
Brickers was situated at the base of the Mohawk Trail in a building that was previously called Turnbull’s, which served house-made ice cream. Brickers was owned by the Maniatty family, which simaltaneously operated another restaurant in the present Mohawk Mall on lower Main Street.
There was also a Howard Johnson’s on the Mohawk Trail.
Friendly’s, across from the present Dollar General on upper Federal, was open there for many years. There is now a different Friendly’s on the Mohawk Trail. Domino’s Pizza is now in the old Friendly’s building. I loved to eat at Friendly’s.
Pete’s Seafood on School Street has also been open for a long period of time.
While there may have been others that I don’t remember. I recall that Greenfield offered many restaurants featuring food of all kinds. Hope this one will bring back your memory of Greenfield the way it was back then.
Robert Bitzer, of Erving, is a lifelong resident in his 90s of Franklin County, having been born in Greenfield. His columns are inspired by his own memories of the county.