Our Story
Our story began when Mae and Lawrence Hart started vacationing here in the 1920’s. The clear view of the Lakes Region drew them in. In 1946 they decided they loved the area so much, they moved from New Jersey and purchased this beautiful mountain-view farm. Sons, Russ and Larry, and their wives soon followed and also began farming in NH. Helen and Gerda helped their husbands grow vegetables and apples. Not long after, the two couples began selling produce, chickens, eggs, and turkeys from a delivery truck.
In 1953, they began raising turkeys exclusively. Delicious turkey dinners became the norm. So, the following year, 1954, the Hart family opened the Lakes Region’s original farm-to-table restaurant. A 12 seat restaurant specializing in delicious turkey dinners, sandwiches, and over time adding prime rib, steaks, and seafood. It has been a family endeavor ever since. “Quality, service, and home-style cooking,” has remained the restaurant’s highest priority.
The year 1960 brought about big changes when Larry passed away. Russ became the sole owner. In 1966, Russ decided to phase out raising his own turkeys, discovering that he could maintain the quality of home-grown birds by selectively purchasing them from turkey farms that met his standards of quality. That decision allowed him the time to perfect his skills as a chef and restaurateur, and to expand the restaurant to what you see today, seating nearly 500 guests.
Expansions throughout the building were numerous and conservative. Russ and Helen would add more space in the kitchen as required and add small dining rooms year after year as needed by our popular dining establishment. The expansion of the restaurant was enhanced by our gift shop in 1988. The gift shop and front lobby received a beautiful update in 2018 allowing us to maintain our extensive gift shop and better showcase our fresh and frozen food and bakery products to be purchased and enjoyed in your own homes. In 2015, we added outdoor seating for dining on “the deck,” perfect for those sunny summer days or fresh fall afternoons! In 2016, we renovated and expanded the bar area into what is now known as the “Copper Kettle Tavern.” Come take a peek!
Mae Hart purchased this antique, circa 1850, turkey platter, in 1922, to be used for their Thanksgiving feast. In 1964, Mae Hart presented her family heirloom to Russ & Helen to adorn the restaurant walls. Grandma Mae Hart started perhaps the world’s largest turkey plate collection (in excess of 900, at last count), which visitors can see a partial display of on the walls of our dining rooms. These unique platters and plates were acquired by friends and guests presenting them to the Hart’s as gifts, and throughout much searching in antique shops along the east coast.
Grandma Mae’s Thanksgiving Platter
Our founder Russell C. Hart with grandson and 3rd generation family owner, Sim Willey
Four generations of Hart’s have owned and managed this restaurant continuously and consistently, for over 67 years. They continue to be involved in the daily operation and tradition of Hart’s.
Whether catering an event at your choice of venue, serving you dinner in the restaurant, or you taking it to go and enjoying it in the comfort of your own home, we still consistently follow Russ’ original recipes and we will remain true to ourselves and you… home-style cooking from scratch.
Hart’s point of view has always been, “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” So practically everything is made right here on premises. All our meals are prepared with the same painstaking care with which the best cooks prepare food for their own families and guests.