A sorrowful farewell to Kitty's Restaurant (North Reading, MA) as a family tradition

 Time to say "Goodbye" to Kitty's Restaurant - my family's destination and tradition for six generations and more than 80 years.

My memories of Kitty's go back to the early-1950's. I would accompany my dad and grandfather on fishing trips to the Ipswich River in North Reading, Massachusetts - followed by a visit to the restaurant on Main Street. In later years, my wife, Linda, and I would eat there with our two kids, Marc and Lisa - and years later - with our two grand daughters - and still later - with our great grandson, Carson.

Author and family at Kitty's approx. 10 years ago

Kitty's never disappointed. The drinks were big and well-made. The food was terrific - as were the portions. The service was exceptional and we became well-acquainted with the waiters and waitresses. It all worked so very well for many decades.

My grand daughter, Courtney, was particularly fond of the restaurant. She was born with cystic fibrosis, and during her frequent hospitalizations, we would get "food-to-go" at Kitty's and bring it to her. Their lobster pie was always her favorite - as it was mine.

Courtney succumbed to her disease more than five years ago - leaving behind her (now) 12-year-old son. It is fortunate that Courtney is not witnessing what may be the demise of our favorite restaurant of all time.

Grand daughter, Courtney, with Carson Thomas Lane

The visit by my wife and me to Kitty's a number of weeks ago was our first-ever disappointment there. We recognized almost none of the staff - the drinks were still good, but much more expensive. The service was slow and the food was far from what it had been. We took the abundant leftovers home but tossed them in the trash.

Courtney's (and my) favorite (lobster pie)

Our negative experience was apparently not a one-time occurrence. My other grand daughter, Jordan, went to Kitty's a day ago, and it became even clearer that this once-iconic eatery was no longer a destination and tradition for our extended family. Like Linda and I, Jordan, was sorely disappointed in her experience there.

Nothing remains the same, but I always hoped that Kitty's Restaurant would be there for myself and my family. The building remains, but the pleasant experiences, great food, affordable generous drinks and family tradition appear to be a thing of the past. I retain some hope that I am wrong!