Hungry Betty's In Full Swing

Every week, Marblehead Patch will profile a different local business owner and ask them about the services they offer and their plan for the future. 

This week, we took a closer look at Hungry Betty's, a restaurant in Village Plaza that opened its doors in February and now offers a full menu stocked with a wide variety of dishes. According to the owner, Patty Johnson, the business model for Hungry Betty's turned out much differently than she originally planned.

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MP: When did you first decide you wanted to open Hungry Betty's?

PJ: My husband Terry and I had been looking at local spots on and off for about two years and discussions about what is now Hungry Betty’s started sometime around July 2010.

MP: What was the original idea for the restaurant?

PJ: It was a casual concept, offering bang for your buck and a place to go when you don’t feel like cooking.

MP: Did you stray from the original plan?

PJ: YES – I had a totally different name and marketing plan chosen and I pretty much changed my mind overnight.

MP: What is it you are looking to offer local residents that they can't get anywhere else in town?

PJ: Great customer service, special attention to details and a place for local families to spread out and have a comfortable dining experience.

MP: How have customers reacted to the restaurant over the first two months?

PJ: So far, the response has been wonderful – especially from the members of the . All of their support has meant the world to me.

MP: Is there anything that stands out as something that you'd like to change about Hungry Betty's?

PJ: I think there is always something you would like to change, make different or improve. 

MP: What is it about Marblehead that made it a desirable location for opening your restaurant?

PJ: My business had to be close to home and my family. Marblehead is a pretty special spot – why would I want to go anywhere else?

MP: Have you relied on the experience you have gained from working at The Dolphin Yacht Club to offer something original at Hungry Betty's?

PJ: I hope so!!  You are only as good as the people you have working for you. It was really important for me to keep my long term staff from the yacht club busy year round. At the yacht club and now at Betty’s I really feel we try to go that extra step to keep our customers happy and in return keep them as repeat and longterm customers.