05/11/2026
1946 – 2026 : 80 years of The Quaker Inn
After returning to Quaker Street following their service in WWII, Stan and Ed Pavlic ran the Quaker Inn for 18 1/2 years. After the Pavlics, Joe and Anna Dolezsar owned the business for over 12 years, 1965-1978. They sold it to Gene Hacker and his wife, Mae. After 8 years the Hackers sold to the Butlers, Robert & Ruth et al, who owned the business for over 12.5 years, '87 to '00. The Butlers sold to Santo Punturiero who owned for an eleven year stretch ending in 2011. Michael Coleman owned it after that.
[Though she was not an owner of the business I wanted to add that Melissa "Missy" Groat was an important chapter in the Quaker Inn Story. I know Melissa passed in July of 2014 leaving behind her daughter, Brittany and her mother Donna, but I don't know what years she ran the Quaker Inn or what caused her to pass at the early age of 43. I'd love to add some information about Melissa, but I don't know what years she was in charge. Let me know and I'd be pleased to add information about Melissa. ]
The business had been closed for a while and was bought last year by the Smiths, who also own Maple on The Lake on Warner Lake in East Berne. The business has received a considerable amount of needed attention, and we're looking forward to a relaunch, and the rise of the Phoenix signify the end of one phase, with an emphasis on hope and the potential for transformation and making way for new beginnings.
As we look forward to this new beginning, I'd also like to ask friends here to share stories about the Quaker Inn and the former proprietors who ran the place, like how Anna Dolezsar used to grow her own horseradish in back and use it in the kitchen and what a talented cook and baker she was, or about the bands that played there and the regulars who "lived" there and made it such a lively place to spend time. Dart Boards, Bowling Leagues, sponsored baseball/softball teams, or your favorite foods served there. (Did a couple get married there?); We'd like to hear from you!
