Weber's in Stratford.
Darren DeSumma always dreamed of being in the restaurant business. When the opportunity arose to purchase the former Weber's restaurant in Stratford, he jumped at the chance. He felt he needed to bring back the classic carhop in all its glory.
Previously owned by Mae Komesaruk and her husband since 1959, the landmark roadside grill located at 105 South White Horse Pike went out of business in 2015 and had remained vacant until 2019 when DeSumma bought and restored the nostalgic property.
"So many people have great memories from there, and now they can visit again," DeSumma, 51, who lives in the Fox Hollow neighborhood in Cherry Hill, told 70and73.com. "Many people reached out sharing their fond childhood memories of Weber's, and we're thrilled to bring it back."
With no previous restaurant experience, DeSumma, who runs a custom clothing shop in Philadelphia felt this was the right fit to break into the food business.
"Besides for sprucing up the place, it was pretty much turnkey. I have all of the old recipes, including the root beer, burgers, fries, and onion rings. Nothing about the food is changing," said DeSumma.
He renovated the building inside and out, leaving many original structural features intact, such as the carport roof. The exterior received a fresh coat of bright orange paint and a custom-made retro neon sign stands outside.
DeSumma had initially planned to open last summer but hit some delays, and then the pandemic happened, which threw off his opening timeline more. He was determined to get it open this year, though.
Now open, said Desumma: “Weber’s is focused on high-quality food at a reasonable price. We will use all fresh meats for the burgers and steaks as well as serving fresh-cut fries.”
Folks simply pull into a parking space, a server takes the order and brings it out on a tray that will attach to their cars. All servers will be taking precautions by wearing masks ensuring customers have a safe ordering experience.
Weber’s will employ about 12 people full- and part-time seasonally. It will remain open as long as the weather remains warm enough.
“It’s a very exciting time and we can’t wait for folks to make new memories at Weber’s in Stratford.”
The basics:
- Menu: Burgers, cheesesteaks, fries, milkshakes, root beer floats, soft drinks
- Thursday-Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Address: 105 S White Horse Pike, Stratford, NJ 08084
- Telephone: (856) 545-3489
- Facebook: facebook.com/webersdriveinstratford/
- Instagram: instagram.com/webersdriveinstratford/
