The Kitchen: Local Restaurant Serving Up Comfort Food, Compassion & Commitment to Community
Longmeadow, MA — “I grew up in this community, and it’s important to me to serve the people in it,” says Bobby Barkett, Owner of Longmeadow, MA restaurant, The Kitchen. “We’ve stayed open because of the relationships we’ve nurtured here. Over the years, we’ve supported our local community, and that support has been returned even during these unprecedented times.”
Tucked into a plaza in the center of the town, conveniently located near the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut, you’ll find a locally owned and operated hidden gem called The Kitchen. Despite its unassuming and “low-key” appearance, The Kitchen is the perfect weekend breakfast and all-week lunch spot, with menu options that are simple yet satisfying, familiar yet flavorful, and boasting an assortment of locally sourced IPA beer options.
Pulling up to this cozy eatery, you get the sense that you’re taking a seat at a family table – if it were socially distanced, of course. The booths and décor give the distinct aesthetic of a long-standing diner, but the menu, complete with unpretentious yet tasty comfort food favorites, brings the sense of a stress-free meal prepared in a home kitchen. A true, hometown experience, you may see youngsters happily enjoying soft serve ice cream on a bench right outside during the warmer months.
While the restrictions of COVID-19 – with masks and social distancing – have had the potential to limit the warmth and welcoming interactions to which patrons are accustomed, the friendly and helpful staff of The Kitchen maintain a hospitable atmosphere, making your visit as easy-going and pleasant as usual. The winning combination of smiles and safety measures allow customers to feel more at ease as they dine in or pick up their meals for takeout.
As guests are seated, the Owner will likely drop by to check in and see how everyone is doing. “I enjoy welcoming customers I haven’t met before. I mean when you visit a mom or pop establishment, you want to meet mom or pop,” Barkett exclaimed with a chuckle. He stressed the importance of maintaining a personal connection to the people supporting the business.
And speaking of personal connections, Barkett reflected on his time as an EMT from 1989 to 1993, expressing his support, compassion, and sense of solidarity in serving first responders and front-line workers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow in its impact. “I get the difficult shifts, and it must be even harder now. So, whatever we could do to help make sure these folks are fed, conveniently and safely, we wanted to do it,” Barkett stated with urgency and sincerity, as he shared about their partnership with Rachel’s Table to provide support to front line workers. The Kitchen has also worked with the philanthropy departments of local nursing homes, Baystate Hospital, and low-income aid organizations to provide nearly 3,000 boxed lunches so far.
The Kitchen has truly earned its reputation as a family-friendly restaurant and an organization that demonstrates its love for the town of Longmeadow and its patrons from surrounding areas. Along with being active members of the Longmeadow community, The Kitchen is also the sole sponsor for the pancake breakfast that kicks off Longmeadow Day and provides support for youth programming for Longmeadow and other surrounding towns.
Head to The Kitchen, located at 791 Williams St, Longmeadow, MA 01106, for limited dine-in or take out. You can also check out their menu, restaurant updates, and hours of operation at mylongmeadowkitchen.com or give them a call at 413-754-3770.
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