Herm's closes doors

Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The restaurant, named for founding owner Hermes Maniatty, was closed Monday after 32 years by Maniatty's son and daughter, owners Stephen Maniatty and Susan Watters.

'We had a great run for a long time, and we now look forward to pursing other interests,' said Watters in a brief prepared statement that also thanked supporters in the community.

But she added that business, while 'OK,' has been down overall in the area. Watters added, 'We decided it's a lot of work. We did this for a long time and we'd like to try something else.'

The closing of the restaurant, which Maniatty opened in February 1976 after 20 years of owning The Corner Cupboard at Main and Chapman streets, marks the first time in 52 years that Greenfield has not had a restaurant operated by the Maniatty family.

Maniatty, who retired in 2004, also operated Bricker's restaurant off Colrain Road before closing it in August 2003. That property has become the Hampton Inn and Suites motel.

Edward 'Skip' Hammond of Greenfield, who remembers eating at Herm's on its opening day 32 years ago and was on hand Sunday night for a last Woodman Burger, said he was also part of the 'Cheers gang' that frequented the restaurant almost every noontime for 10 or 15 years.

'It's going to leave somewhat of a void at noontime,' said Hammond, who said he was drawn by the company of people 'from all walks of life, all occupations.'

D.R. 'Woody' Tyler of Greenfield, another longtime Herm's lunchtime regular, said 'Everyone knew everyone. We solved all kinds of problems every day, then we went on our way, then the next day there were more problems to solve.'

Tyler, who has eaten at Herm's regularly since 1986, said he'll miss 'that personal feeling' and lamented the loss of the family-run gathering place with focus on quality and top-notch service rather than rock-bottom prices with 'no surprises, good or bad.'

With a menu that included everything from baked scrod and ravioli to sizzling chicken or veggie fajitas, Herm's appealed to customers who wanted a comfortable meeting place and a congenial setting as well as generous portions and reasonable prices, customers said.

'It's a loss,' said James Williams of Greenfield, who had been one of the half-dozen or so regulars lunching at the copper-topped bar. 'What we loved about it was great food, great conversation and good drinks.'

The 'whole gang of us pals' even discussed throwing some money together to keep Herm's open, Williams said, but after looking at how competitive the restaurant business has become, realized that it wasn't feasible.

You can reach Richie Davis at: rdavis@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 269