The Funck family isn’t afraid to take chances in a famously fickle industry.
What started as one Tastee Freeze in Palmyra in 1969 has turned into a locally owned, 12-restaurant group, including seven new enterprises in just the past six years.
“I think it’s fun,” said Alan Funck of the expanding restaurant group. “Some of the locations, I’ll stop in every single day.”
It all started with that Tastee Freeze on West Main Street in Palmyra, opened by Alan’s parents, Ray and Ruth Ann, and, in 1983, converted to the original Funck’s. A restaurant near Ft. Indiantown Gap followed and, in 2009, Alan Funck purchased the Mt. Gretna Hideaway, starting his journey to becoming a restaurant group owner.
The bigger growth spurt began in 2016 with the purchase of what became Funck’s in Leola. From there, the family made a flurry of purchases, including many legendary staples of central Pa. dining: The Rising Sun, Snitz Creek Brewery, Quentin Tavern, TJ Rockwell’s, Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel, The Parkside and the former Mt. Gretna Brewing Co.
Today, these restaurants all fall under the umbrella of the Funck’s Restaurant Group. Alan Funck owns some individually and some with his brother, Matt, who also owns one individually. Alan’s wife Victoria also owns some.
While the Funcks operate on a belief that each acquisition should retain its own personality, some purchases have required changes—some quite significant and some ongoing or still to happen. For instance, while Funcks has already expanded parking and given The Parkside an exterior facelift, a complete renovation is in the works.
Over in Campbelltown, The Rising Sun underwent a total restoration, complete with an exposed brick, stone and beam interior. That was followed by a renovation of the next-door property, turning another historic building into an indoor/outdoor space with a professionally landscaped and tiled courtyard between the two buildings.
“We ended up with a great atmosphere there,” Alan Funck said. “People enjoy it. The guests really just love what we’re doing.”
Many of the Funcks’ properties feature outdoor dining. The Hideaway, Quentin Tavern and TJ Rockwell’s were known for outdoor decks and patios long before COVID dining came along.
“The thing I love most about those properties is each one kind of keeps their own characteristics,” said Jennifer Kuzo, president of Visit Lebanon Valley. “They aren’t a cookie-cutter stamp. Each has its own personality.”
Rewarding
The National Restaurant Association estimates that some 60% of restaurants fail within their first year. So, how has Funcks avoided becoming part of that grim statistic?
“People who have been in business a long time are stable,” Alan Funck said.
He added that, when making an acquisition, it’s vital to do the right thing with the new property.
“We can take something and make it different, but some like Rockwell’s already have a strong business,” he said. “The Rising Sun, I could grow it. It costs a lot to convert into a different kind of restaurant.”
Valued employees are key to Funck’s success. In peak summertime, more than 700 people are employed among the 12 properties.
Alex Eby is one of those long-time, dedicated employees.
After working a year at the original Funck’s in Palmyra, Eby pitched in when the company bought The Rising Sun in 2018—sanding tables, cleaning and starting as a server, then bartender, and, after the first year, general manager. Funck noticed Eby’s hard work and commitment and rewarded it.
“I love it,” Eby said. “I like being a manager that works for a company so that I can take care of other employees. From bartenders to dishwashers, they feel proud to work here.”
Eby noted the importance of trying new things, special menus, and always trying to be a step ahead.
“The only way it fails is if you become complacent,” he said.
Add to that smart, strategic acquisitions, the strength of the family cooperative and the attention to detail at each restaurant.
“It takes a lot of time,” Alan Funck said, “but it’s rewarding.”
For more information on Funck’s Restaurant Group, visit www.funcksrestaurantgroup.com.
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