“It’s one of those really cool family history stories,” said Ryan Eckstein, Senior Territory Manager with US Foods, in reference to Derrenberger’s Family Restaurant, which has been serving the community for the past 33 years.
It all began in 1966, when Jack Derrenberger found employment as a manager at the Howard Johnson’s restaurant on the corner on Lexington Avenue and Trimble Road in Mansfield.
Prior to working as a Howard Johnson’s manager, Jack and his wife Ruth Derrenberger owned a small gourmet grocery store in Loudonville. “Food was all they knew,” said daughter Deb Wood.
Because of that, the Derrenbergers were inspired to open their own restaurant in 1980 when the owner of the Howard Johnson’s wanted to sell the building. “And the rest is history,” said Wood.
Since their opening day, the restaurant experienced a “re-opening” day last year.
Wood explained that the restaurant’s lease was discontinued last July, causing them to have to find a new location.
“We looked all around town,” she said, further noting that the staff wanted to keep the new site in the general vicinity of the original location because of their loyal customers.
Thus, Derrenberger’s chose to move about half a mile up the street on Lexington Avenue near the Chase Bank.
“When we closed, we had lists of people who wanted to know when we’d be re-opening,” she said.
The restaurant tried to keep people informed about the move through their Facebook page, word of mouth, and other methods.
About four months after the move, the restaurant’s new site was up and running. Wood explained that on their “re-opening day,” she felt like a nervous wreck, unsure of what the customer response would be like. “But there were lines of people coming in,” she added.
“We are so lucky with all of the loyal customers around here—they are unbelievable,” stated Wood. “We get customers who come here five, six, and seven times a week.”
Among the “usuals” is Eckstein. “I usually eat there when on business, which is once I week. I also come in with my family sometimes.”
Eckstein, has been in a business relationship with Derrenberger’s for several years. He noted that he was impressed by the Derrenberger family’s persistence and how they were able to hang on to several of the regular customers from the original location after the move.
Wood also commended her staff for all of their hard work and loyalty to the restaurant. “They know how much I respect and appreciate them and vice versa.”
Many of the employees have been on staff for over 20 years—the “newest” server having been on staff for the past 13 years.
Wood has been owner for the past 24 years, after her father passed away from cancer in 1990. Since was she a teenager, she worked at the restaurant as a hostess and server.
Her husband and daughter also work at the restaurant.
From their homemade recipes, loyal staff and customers, and long family history, it’s clear that, “We’re very family-oriented,” stated Deb Wood.
