Archie’s Grill Celebrates First Anniversary
by Rowan Beck,
October 6, 2011, page 19.....

It’s hard to believe, but Archie’s Grill has been open for almost a year. On October 10 Archie’s grill will celebrate its one-year anniversary with free ice cream all day – or at least until it runs out.
Owner Dick Hess seems to be doing everything right, as a year later the business is booming. He is no stranger to hard work; his father, Archie, the restaurant’s namesake, ingrained it in him. Archie often worked two or three jobs at a time. Up until two months ago, Dick had been working eighteen hours a days. However, to him it isn’t like work because he loves what he does and seeing the customers, especially the kids. “I love to see their faces when they get a creemee,” he chuckled.
Dick prides himself with having the highest quality and best products available. Maybe that’s why his creemees are so good; they have a much higher fat content than most, making them even creamier. His burgers are made with Laplatte beef and the turkey comes from Misty Knoll. The signature chips are made, spiced and packaged daily. Dick refuses to “sacrifice quality for money,” he said seriously. “I want the customer to be honest and give me feedback: what they liked, what they didn’t.” All of this is consistent with his motto: “A fresh approach to fast food.” Whether a customer chooses to dine in or take out, the wait time is approximately ten minutes.
Customers sit, enjoy a beer or glass of wine while waiting for their order and peruse the walls that are adorned with Norman Rockwell paintings, including some with members of Dick’s family. His uncle Carl was the model for Rockwell’s painting “Freedom of Speech” in the 1950s, and his grandfather also made an appearance in some of Rockwell’s works. There are also numerous photos of Champlain Valley Union High School sporting events. A large screen TV hangs above the counter separating the dining area from the kitchen, so people can see sports stats and other information. Booths line the walls along with a few tables, providing seating for approximately 40 people. Dick has created a homey atmosphere in the cozy space.
The business has been growing steadily throughout the year. The winter snowstorms put a slight damper on sales, but Archie’s appears to be going gangbusters now. The leaf peeping season has already begun for them and there was little slack from the end of the summer. Dick was pleased to say, “We’ve already exceeded our expectations for the year.” Two thirds of his staff have been there since the beginning.
Only a few things on the menu have been added or changed since the opening. “The Archie” is a meal not to be missed: “two burgers stuffed with Bleu cheese, Archie’s caramelized red onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, topped with potato chips.” This fall Dick is adding grilled cheese “for the kids, on a bun,” he said. He also hopes to start offering children’s birthday parties this winter. “The kids will make their own patties and get a T-shirt with the logo.”
Dick is no stranger to the restaurant business. He owned Queen City Tavern in Burlington for five years and bartended for nine. He has always loved to cook for his friends, and now he has turned that love into a thriving business. For more information on Archie’s Grill, visit archiesgrill.com. If you haven’t been in, it’s worth the stop. Congratulations Dick and staff.
Archie’s Grill, located at 4109 Shelburne Road in Shelburne, is open Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.