Optimistic, affable and energetic, Romeo LaMarco is a man with a plan.
He and business partner John Saad have become fixtures in the Lower Paxton Township community since purchasing Ted’s on Allentown Boulevard several years ago. The two pals, who grew up together in western Pennsylvania, began as patrons of the establishment.
“We loved the place and didn’t want to see it change,” said LaMarco.
Now, in a major nod to the original Ted’s Tavern, they’re returning the restaurant to its roots, having purchased the building in Harrisburg where the restaurant began many years ago. Midtown residents may still be mourning the loss of beloved Brick City, but the news of Ted’s second location—a round trip back to the corner of N. 2nd and Calder streets—has softened the blow.
Their Own Flair
The partners joined me in the spacious dining room in front of a roaring fire, which took the edge off the frigid December temperatures. I relinquished my coat reluctantly, but was soon warmed up by the combination of the cozy fire and the bone-warming heat of the signature spicy Bloody Mary crafted with their special wing sauce.
Having recently celebrated the third anniversary of Ted’s Bar & Grill—and on the verge of opening the second location—they agreed to carve out time from their busy schedules to reflect on the journey and offer a glimpse into the future.
“When we took over, we concentrated on what Ted did,” said LaMarco, adding that they kept what worked, chucked what didn’t and added their own flair to the place. The two worked hand-in-hand with the food service distributor throughout the transition, as they honed their restaurant chops.
“In the beginning, it was a bit slow, and now it’s gangbusters,” said LaMarco. The two gave the dated decor a much-needed facelift by putting down new carpeting, giving everything a fresh coat of paint and installing a horseshoe bar, which seats three times the number of customers. “Now everyone interacts; we’re spread out on two sides,” said LaMarco, who obviously loves interacting with people. “It’s like hosting a party at your house on a daily basis.”
The partners brought in Joel LaMarco, a certified chef, who also happens to be Romeo’s son, to work on the menu selections. “Now, 95 percent of the food is made from scratch,” said LaMarco.
“With a little bit of our western PA spin on it,” added Saad, mentioning lamb kebobs with Syrian bread shipped in from New Castle and a Pittsburgh sandwich that features a choice of meats like pastrami and corned beef, topped with coleslaw on toasted Italian bread.
The soups are a crowd pleaser, according to LaMarco. Four chefs share in the duty of making close to 100 gallons a week. Depending on the day, patrons can choose from Louisiana gumbo, Italian wedding soup, chicken tortilla, a variety of chowders, tomato bisque and a whole host of others.
The signature crab cake, made with jumbo lump crabmeat, is a hit with customers. A popular $12 Tuesday night special, offering a 12-ounce sirloin or crab cake, along with two sides, draws a crowd.
Ted’s popular Greek salad is still available, and fans of the original dressing will be pleased to hear that the same recipe is used today. Of course, wings remain a best seller, and the restaurant now offers 14 sauces and four dry seasonings.
Community Focus
The 130-seat restaurant is a regular meeting place for many members of the community, which is important to both Saad and LaMarco.
“We embraced the local sports community, and they embraced us as well,” said Saad.
The back room is called The Ram’s Den for the Central Dauphin Rams, and families often congregate there. Children are given free ice cream for dessert during lunch and dinner. “The kids love that,” said Saad.
Paxtonia resident Lori Hood has been a customer for many years. “I like everything on the menu; the food is so good, and I like how they interact with their customers. It’s like ‘Cheers,’ everybody knows everybody,” she said, referring to the old sitcom.
Fred Forintino from Harrisburg enjoys the community vibe, as well.
“It’s a really friendly environment,” he said. “Lots of families go there. It’s a great place to socialize and the crowd is a lot of fun. The owners do a lot for the local community and the teams. They sponsor events and cater to some of the organizations. It’s like a neighborhood atmosphere, unlike some of the chain restaurants and franchises.”
Full Circle
With the opening of the second location, city dwellers now will get to enjoy the Ted’s experience.
Sure, the loss of Brick City left many heavy hearts, but locals can continue to expect a welcoming atmosphere and reasonably priced, way-better-than-average bar food. Ted’s is even retaining much of what made Brick City so special—its efficient, friendly staff.
The fact that the first Ted’s once operated at the same location has caused many to declare that the business has “come full circle.”
Jesse Hamilton is part owner and will manage the new location. “The tried-and-true recipe that has worked at the current Ted’s is being replicated in the new place in Harrisburg,” he said, adding that the menu is similar, and the focus on the community remains the same.
A larger system of 18 taps enables them to place more of an emphasis on craft beers. A Friday jazz night will be added, but little else in the successful, now-familiar Ted’s formula is changing.
With an opening around the holidays, it was a perfect gift to area locals.
“I am looking forward to this new venture, building relationships and, most importantly, being of service to the community,” said Hamilton.
Ted’s Bar and Grill is at 6197 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg (Lower Paxton Township), and at 1313 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, www.tedsbarandgrill.com.
