Blue Bell Inn has been sold
The Lamprechts, who have owned the landmark since World War II, are retiring.
Blue Bell Inn has been sold
Michael Klein, Philly.com
The Blue Bell Inn, which grew out of a mid-18th-century house at a Montgomery County crossroads, has been sold to a developer who intends to refurbish it rather than submit it to a wrecking ball.
John Lamprecht, the restaurant’s chef and owner since 1963, confirmed that developer Bruce Goodman, a longtime customer, will assume control on Sept. 4. His partners in the transaction are Kevin Clib and Scott Dougherty, who own Bridget’s, a steakhouse, and KC’s Alley, a pub, in nearby Ambler. Before joining Clib, Dougherty worked for Lamprecht for 11 years as a maitre d’ and manager.
Goodman said the decision to buy the inn was driven as much by sentimentality as by business. Goodman and his Jenkintown-based company, Goodman Properties, owns and manages 125 commercial properties in the region. In addition to renovations that will include a larger outdoor seating area, Goodman said he planned to develop a separate building on the three-acre plot, at Skippack and Penllyn-Blue Bell Pikes.
Lamprecht, whose father, Johann Lamprecht, and uncle Karl Friedel bought the inn in 1945, said he would retire. “At 76, I need to quit doing those 15-hour days,” he said. The Blue Bell was among the first fine-dining establishments in central Montgomery County to offer outdoor dining. Even before the recession, Lamprecht carved out a lower-priced bistro to appeal to budget-conscious patrons.
Clib described the new menu, to start Sept. 4, as focused on fresh seafood, and added that he would retain some favorites such as Dover sole and onion rings.
Don't live in the area. However, when a developer buys a restaurant that is successfully seems like after a honeymoon period for the staff and customers he, they might bulldoz the building. The developer will see how business is after change of mangement and if bottom line doesnt pan out then he will go with the alternative.— bartm- How can they bulldoze a registered historical landmark? — Keith S.
- Would make a nice Walgreen's or Rite-Aid.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- I know where it's at but I've never eaten there. The William Penn Inn is 5 minutes away and they are about the only real fine dining places in the local area. Maybe too many because many areas can't even support one nice establishment.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- What are you talking about? No nice restaurants? Really? Are you actually looking for one in the area? Perhaps you are blind. — Keith S.
- the inclusion of Clib and Dougherty from Ambler seems to reaffirm the good intentions of the developer Goodman. These guys will reinvigorate what had become a tired old place.— advantasux
- Running a restaurant at 76? The guy was lucky he did not croak!— The Baron
- This is a restaurant owner's dream to have his business bought by a long term customer ! Thing are look up:
1. Purchase of Tasty Kake
2. The new Owner of the Marcus Hook Refinery,
and this.
— Peter of Manassas - Who knows what will happen in the end, but it is nice to see something with some history not immediately headed to the wrecking ball. Hope this will work, because I am tired of seeing things destroyed for the sake of another chain or simply for one more crummy apartment building!
Remember, though, the restaurant biz is one of the toughest going!— BEMiller - It's Blue Bell folks - not exactly a destitute zip code. If Goodman can get Len Abramsaon/friends/family to eat there once a month he'll make a profit. After all, he lives around the corner. Daughter too. Their homes cast quite an impressive shadow...— clete1329
- Goodman will want to put a Wawa there.— Captain Terrific
- wawa is right up the street...i say cvs— ratioactive
- Clib and Dougherty have run an amazing business with both Bridget's and K.C. Alley. They are professional restauranteurs who are looking to expand their presence. I commend them on this purchase and look forward to a revitalized BBI.— Keith S.
- We are thrilled to hear the good news. The Inn has needed updating for a long time and we welcome any new improvements to the building and menu. Bruce cares about our community so we am certain the changes will be positive. Thank you, Ellen and Jeff Silow— Ellen Silow
- @Peanoose - for the same reason that Jim Gardner does not use his real last name!— The Baron
