Annamarie’s Restaurants: Bringing Community to the Table

Meet the Owner 

Annamarie Chestnut, owner of Annamarie’s Restaurants, has been serving exceptional food and warm experiences for over 30 years.

Starting with Annamarie’s Place in Royersford, PA, at the young age of 19, she recently expanded her culinary legacy with Annamarie’s on Main in Birdsboro, PA. The new restaurant is three times as big as the original.

Her dedication to crafting unique, homemade meals and building lasting relationships with customers makes her a true local treasure.

“I want to make people happy with food,” says Annamarie. “It’s the easiest way to connect with somebody.”

What’s on the Menu? 

Both of Annamarie’s locations offer a delicious menu of breakfast and lunch options, all prepared fresh in-house. The new Birdsboro location has also recently expanded its menu to include catering, dinner, and baked goods.

Known for its “big fun food,” these boutique eateries serve unique dishes that food lovers won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re a breakfast aficionado, lunch enthusiast, or dinner fan, there’s something delightful for every palate.

A Business Built on Connection 

What sets Annamarie’s apart isn’t just the mouthwatering food; it’s the sense of community. From the beginning, Annamarie envisioned more than just a restaurant.

She created a place where customers feel like family. Staff members take the time to connect, asking about customers’ weeks and ensuring every visit feels personal. Regulars often return with gifts and stories, and new visitors quickly become part of the fold.

“We target foodies…people who want to try new things,” she says. “Our business model is slightly different—not just to get them in and feed them. People get attached to us and become like family. I’ve grown up with most of them.”

The Journey to Success 

Annamarie’s story is one of perseverance and heart. When she first opened her restaurant, it was a leap of faith.

She was attending culinary school, but tuition costs and her parents’ sacrifices to pay for her schooling made her rethink whether she wanted to continue on that path. After seeing a building for sale when she came home for break, she followed her heart, stepped away from school, and dove into her first restaurant with both feet.

“My parents were struggling,” she says. “I came home on winter break, and the restaurant was being condemned, so I just decided that I would do it for a year—and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Over the decades, her journey has been marked by challenges like the pandemic and the opening of a second location, but each hurdle has been met with resilience and innovation.

Staying open throughout the pandemic showcased her commitment to her staff and community, pivoting operations to keep everyone employed and to keep her customers safe and fed.

What Makes Annamarie’s Unique? 

There are several things that set Annamarie’s restaurants apart from the competition:

• Focus on Experience: At Annamarie’s, it’s not just about the food; it’s about creating memories. From warm greetings to knowing customers by name, the focus is always on making every visit special.
• Homemade Goodness: Every dish is made from scratch, offering flavors that are truly one of a kind.
• Family Atmosphere: The staff isn’t just a team—they’re a family. Many have been with Annamarie for years, growing alongside the business.

“I’m one of the few owners that I know where money is not the goal,” says Annamarie. “Don’t get me wrong…everybody needs money, and I need to pay the electric bill. But my goal is for every person that comes in to be treated like family and to leave with something positive to remember. It’s just a different experience.”

This is also demonstrated by the way she interacts with customers and how she teaches her staff to do the same.

For example, in the new restaurant recently, a little boy dropped his chicken wings and was upset.

“The server went to take them and throw them out,” she explains. “I asked her if she put in a new order, and the server said, ‘They’re leaving.’ And I said, ‘Yes, but he’s also crying…go get him a new one.'”

Giving Back to the Community 

Annamarie’s dedication to her community is unwavering. She’s the founder of the Royersford Business Association and organizes events like Community Day, offering free activities for local families.

Her restaurants also support schools and sports teams through fundraisers and special events. In Birdsboro, the support from the local community has been overwhelming, with neighbors rallying to welcome the new location.

Looking Ahead 

With two thriving locations, Annamarie’s Restaurants are poised for continued growth. The Birdsboro location’s expanded menu showcases the restaurant’s versatility and commitment to serving its customers’ needs.

Annamarie is excited to keep innovating, focusing on creating even more memorable experiences for her guests.

Why Visit Annamarie’s Restaurants? 

If you’re looking for a place where the food is exceptional, the service is heartfelt, and the atmosphere feels welcoming, Annamarie’s Restaurants is the perfect choice.

Website: www.annamariesrestaurants.com