What's in the future for the beloved restaurant?
In November of 2021, the beloved Acton restaurant Tanners was listed for sale to the shock of many locals. Acton UP spoke with Andrea Clark, the current owner of Tanners regarding the recent sale of the establishment.
“Tanners has been listed since November 2021. As most people think it is covid related, it is not. We did exceptionally well during the covid pandemic because we have such a great customer base with so much support from our community, because we are so established as a catering company as well as a great place to meet and eat, and we are very happy with the day to day operations.”
According to Clark, the previous lockdown in January of this year was a nerve-wracking time due to the rising cost of the transportation of goods for the restaurant. However, the business never suffered due to the outstanding support from Acton and its community. Clark continues,
“I have always considered Tanners my baby, however, I have an actual baby now and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to be there for her always. Anyone that has been in the restaurant industry knows it is a 24/7 job. Even when I am not there I am always working. That in itself is not fair for my little girl. I want to be able to take her everywhere and spend all the time I can with her and owning a restaurant does not give me that opportunity. This is why I have put it out there, as many already know I have been here for 30 years and it’s time for a change.”
Andrea Clark originally worked at the Tanners as a dishwasher when it was previously called, “TimBri Teahouse.” By 2001, the restaurant had transformed into the restaurant it is today. Clark was working in the kitchen as a cook. By 2007, Clark purchased the restaurant from her father, Rick Matchett, and became the restaurants' figurehead.
Photo L-R : Rick Matchett, Andrea Clark, Norm Paget, Tanners Receives Business of the Month from Chamber of Commerce
“I still want to pursue my catering ventures, however I want to give the reigns to someone who has more time to take over the day-to-day operations. It will be a bittersweet day when it does sell, however spending quality time with my family is priceless to me. The hard work my staff and I have put into making Tanners the icon that it is will never be forgotten and we will always give it 100% until it is sold. However, we do not anticipate it being a fast takeover as there are so many stepping stones and we will not ever leave it to just anyone.”
Clark, who is very protective over the family restaurant is going to be very cautious and deliberate to whom she sells the restaurant. She hopes to find someone who is passionate about the restaurant industry and will carry on the Tanners legacy. Clark remarks, “Tanners has been my heart and soul for years and I would never just give it away. They would have to have the same passion for it as we all do.”
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