SOUTH HERO, Vt. — The Blue Paddle Bistro celebrates a 20-year milestone of serving food, friendship and smiles to the community in South Hero and beyond this summer.
The now iconic restaurant is noticeable to many New Yorkers and other travelers who make the journey across Lake Champlain via ferry ride, and then roll down U.S. 2 through South Hero and on to Burlington and other parts of Vermont.
The restaurant in a 19th Century white farm house with a blue paddle and canoe out front, has become a community cornerstone offering a welcoming place known for its relaxed atmosphere, “yummy,” and “unpretentious,” foods and deep local ties.
The celebrations kicked off March 14, stretching over a lively weekend filled with loyal patrons, live music, and plenty of signature dishes.
“It is amazing,” Mandy Hotchkiss, co-proprietor, said.
“When Phoebe, my best friend, and I started, we had no idea how long we would be here. Most restaurants just don’t last so I feel blessed, lucky and very fortunate for our immense following.”
For two decades, thousands of guests have entered BPB making the bistro more than just a place to eat, but a place where connections are made.
“My favorite thing about this has been the thousands and thousands of people we meet here, and many have become very good friends,” Hotchkiss said.
In the kitchen, chef and co-proprietor Phoebe Bright brings a down-to-earth style to the menu, Hotchkiss says.
“I know Phoebe loves working on yummy-unpretentious food,” Hotchkiss said.
“I am a front-of-house gal, that’s my joy.”
IN THE NAME
The restaurant’s name is rooted in the personal history of two best-friends, Chef Bright and Hotchkiss.
“I grew up fishing with my dad, Phoebe grew up in the Adirondacks,” Hotchkiss said.
“I built wooden canoes for a while, so I wanted something to show my love for the sport. and the restaurants Phoebe valued, or had staying power, often had the word ‘blue’ in the name.”
‘NO SANDWICHES THIS TIME’
Before the Bistro, their backgrounds included a successful run in the deli business.
“Phoebe and I opened delis in Burlington, and later expanded into New England over the course of nine years. At one point we had nine locations,” Hotchkiss said.
Eventually, their paths diverged but reconnected again later on.
“Phoebe went to Manhattan. I was making canoes, and then one day she called me and said ‘let’s get back together for a restaurant, but no sandwiches this time.’”
Hotchkiss said returning to Vermont felt natural.
“We chose South Hero because we wanted to be back in Vermont,” Hotchkiss explained.
“We care about what we’re doing and we are honored to have everyone come in.”
Both co-owners bring years of experience to the business.
“I am 67-years-old, Chef Phoebe is in her early 60s,” Hotchkiss said.
The official anniversary date was March 14, but the Paddle crew celebrated with the community for the weekend.
“We celebrated Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Hotchkiss said.
ANNIVERSARY SUMMER
The “very” dog-friendly restaurant will continue celebrating throughout the summer with special themed-events this summer with expanded service hours.
“This summer, for the first time ever, we will be doing six nights and a double on Sunday,” Hotchkiss said.
“We have special theme nights planned with music, working on the details now. This is our anniversary summer.”
Blue Paddle also continues welcoming its Canadian neighbors.
“We are also doing things for our Canadian neighbors, encouraging our neighbors to the north to come down, we love them,” Hotchkiss said.
Two German pointers, Wilbur and Willoby, also known as “the paddle pups,” are a cherished part of the bistro’s spirit.
The historic 1880 farmhouse that houses the restaurant carries its own character, according to Hotchkiss.
Everything about the space tells a story. Most furniture is either made by Hotchkiss by hand or found traveling the country.
“It is not cookie cutter,” Hotchkiss said
MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY
Chef Phoebe Bright reflected on 20 years of working at BPB.
“As the chef, I love what I do because it’s both creative and challenging,” Bright said.
“Plus, as a lifelong sports nut, I find my job very athletic.”
She also values the partnership behind the restaurant’s longevity.
“At the end of the day, if I do my job well, the result is that I make people happy which is completely rewarding. I truly enjoy owning my own business because I get to go to work every day with my best friend, Mandy, and my dog,” she said.
The staff shares the same spirit.
“Working at the Paddle, you’re not just a number or an employee number, you are more like family, where anyone would do anything to help the other in any way possible.”