Since 1937, Art Bradish Snack Bar in North Grafton has been a beloved summer refugee for people looking to eat at a seasonal roadside stand. No frills, just good food made on the spot.
Don’t let the name fool you, at the snack bar you can order seafood, such as fish and chips and fried clams, in addition to chili, sides (french fries, onion rings, beans, coleslaw, chips), chicken tenders, hot dogs (long and regular) and burgers (veggie, turkey). Customers can eat outdoors at picnic tables or call for take-out.
Owners Dick and Sandy Bradish said the family-owned business has been a Grafton landmark offering quality food for generations. The Grafton Board of Selectmen recognized the business for its more than 50 years of dedicated service in Grafton, thanking owners for the family’s contributions and commitment to the town and its residents. See Bradish business Facebook page for more info.
Dick Bradish’s grandfather founded the business across the street from where the snack bar is now located. On Facebook, there’s a photo of what the stand use to look like with overhead signage advertising hamburgers, hot dogs, pop corn (popcorn), candy and tobaccos. “Dick’s dad took over the business and then it was our turn,” said Sandy Bradish. “Right, Dick?” Her husband nodded yes, not missing a beat while peeling large sweet onions, readying them for fried onion rings, a top seller at the stand.
So why has this business succeeded so long?
“There always will be up and downs, but you push through hard times and work hard,” said Dick Bradish. “We’ve made a name for ourselves and people know we’re here. We don’t have to advertise.” The business has a loyal following and it’s also a generational thing, he said.
Sandy Bradish said persistence also has helped. “Here at the stand we all have our own individual jobs. I handle the business end, paperwork, scheduling and things like that, while Dick helps out in back, like peeling onions and getting ingredients together. We both have worked the walk- up windows and still will help out if necessary.”
Bradish said her husband is taking things a little easier this season as a result of health issues that occurred this past winter. “Honestly, we didn’t know if we would be able to open the stand, but here we are and both doing okay,” said Sandy Bradish. “Our son, Richard Jr., is a big help and works our deep fryers. He owns a business and is able to lend a hand in season.” The business has 10 part-time employees.
Dick and Sandy Bradish are no strangers to the food service industry. They owned a breakfast and lunch spot for nine years on Cape Cod in East Dennis, where they reside. They live in Sutton during the summer. “When we close in North Grafton on Labor Day, Dick and I return to our home on the Cape,” said Sandy Bradish. “Food service isn’t easy, no matter how big or small the operation. We enjoy time off and in past years we have traveled a lot in winter, sometimes spending months in Costa Rica and weeks on the Vineyard (Martha’s Vineyard). We love the beach.”
The couple will be married 54 years in September. Originally from Grafton, they were “high school sweethearts.” They have three adult children and four grandchildren. A teenage grandson now works part-time at the snack bar. “It’s his first year and new on the job he recently had a party of 18,” said Sandy Bradish. “He did great,” she said, adding that her grandson said he wasn’t nervous taking food orders for such a large party. “Maybe, he was a little,” said his proud grandmother.
Art Bradish Snack Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Window service, in addition to take-out orders by calling (508) 839-3992. Cash or credit cards. Connect on Facebook. Note: No alcoholic beverages allowed on the Grafton property. Soft beverages are available.
Friday is a busy seafood day and specials include fresh fish (haddock) and chips and whole belly fried clams. About the onion rings: Thin and crispy fried, customers say they are even good as just a snack. As for fries, you can try them with Sandy Bradish’s homemade chili. Cheese is an added option.
These days, customers sometimes wait in the parking lot as long as 15 to 30 minutes before Art Bradish Snack Bar opens, according to its owners.
Some would say that’s a good measure of success for a business.
Block party on Water Street
“Wednesdays on Water” is a new free block party in Worcester’s Canal District, beginning July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Pulse Magazine and the Canal District Association extend an invitation to the public to join the celebration of food, live music, vendors, plus more. The local band, Colt & The Coyotes will provide entertainment, performing a mix of covers and original music.
The block party on Water Street will extend from Harrison Street to Pond Street. Organizers said the Worcester Police Department would block off the area to ensure safety of all participants.
Water Street businesses that will sell food include Suzette Creperie and Café, 126 Water St.; Bombay Lounge Indian Bar and Restaurant, 64 Water St.; Boland’s Bar and Patio (Irish pub), 81 Water St; Russo Italian Restaurant, 65 Water St.; The Queen’s Cup, 56 Water St. Local artisans with specialty products for sale will be located in the Water Street Lot, 85 Water St.
The block party is presented by Pulse Magazine, Haddad Enterprises, Island Auto Repair and Towing, Table Talk Pies, Good Chemistry Nurseries, The Worcester Red Sox, Zawada Insurance Agency, Local 336 Carpenters Union, Cossin Media, Haddad Auto Detail, Cantiani Insurance Agency, Radio Worcester, Discover Central Massachusetts, 508 Audio Innovations, Sen. Michael O. Moore and Candy Mero-Carlson.
The next “Wednesdays on Water” event is scheduled for Aug. 21. Organizers are hopeful more dates will be added into early fall.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Art Bradish Snack Bar in Grafton offers great treats to beat summer heat
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