“We Enjoy What We Do…” Kettle Creek Inn Serves Locals, Out-of-Towners

Record EditorJanuary 14, 2021

3 minutes read

By Christopher Miller

WESTPORT- The luck of the Irish might have been with Brenda and Michael Hand when they opened their business, Kettle Creek Inn, on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) some 14 years ago this March.

With a history stemming back possibly to the late 1930’s, the building that currently houses the Kettle Creek Inn was known by many names through its long history. One of which was Woody’s Inn and Taproom.

“There have been several owners of the business before we bought it,” said Brenda in an interview with The Record newspaper. “Tom, a neighbor of ours behind the business insists that we put (this spot) on the map when we took over ownership, saying that he had never seen this many people here to come and eat before!”

Though the current situation has certainly hit many businesses in the country, Brenda and Michael are hoping that the upcoming start of fishing season may help to bring some normalcy back to the near-century old business and surrounding natural area.

“We are the busiest between fishing and hunting season,” Brenda said. Considering the amount of traffic that comes to our little area of the state during those almost 8 months of the year, it certainly is not surprising that most food and drink establishments count on that seasonal traffic to weather the winter months.

Kettle Creek Inn serves the local area and travelers-alike in many more ways than just a fine dining establishment. They are also one of the only motel stops between Lock Haven and Emporium, with 12 rooms of accommodations for all supplying weary travelers with the modern conveniences of television, wireless internet access, mini-fridge and a microwave. Also noteworthy is that all of the rooms are located on the ground-floor.

“We see many people who come in with their ATVs, hitting the trails…many of whom stay here with us and have access to the trails right behind our restaurant,” Brenda exclaimed. “They never have to leave the parking lot when they can hit the trails, and many return here for lunch or dinner later!”

Serving all 3 meals (and anything in between), Kettle Creek Inn is known for their Fish Fry Friday’s (the busiest night of the week) and Liver and Onion Thursday’s. “These are the specialty items that people enjoy, and always come back for,” Brenda explained. “We are currently at 25% capacity for in-person dining, but take out is always available.”

Visitors to Kettle Creek Inn can also rest assured that their food is expertly cooked or baked. In fact, Michael and Brenda worked for quite a few years as chef and baker, respectively. “My husband is the cook, and I am the baker,” said Brenda, citing her delicious homemade cakes and pies only available at the restaurant.

The location of the restaurant can also play a fantastic vantage point to viewing local wildlife. Home to deer, elk, turkey, and bear, the area is home to some of the finest fauna that Pennsylvania has to offer.

“I like it (our location),” responded Brenda. “I have met a lot of travelers and new people, nice people…we enjoy meeting new people and seeing familiar faces coming back…you make friends with lots of people, many who have camps in the area and the come in when they are here, they say that their highlight is coming in for breakfast, or a meal.”

“I think we built a reputation for ourselves in the area,” Brenda explained. “A lot of locals knew us when we worked elsewhere, and we have a lot of support because they know us, it has all worked out being here.”

A peek at the calendar has revealed that the week of Valentine’s Day might be a “perfect storm of sorts” for local restaurants. This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday is 2 days after that, the birthday of the writer of this piece falls later in the week, and then come Friday we are back to the traditional Lenten Fish Friday’s that thankfully Kettle Creek Inn extends year-long.

Upcoming specials at Kettle Creek Inn are currently revealed as “something special” for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, and the traditional fried or broiled fish with stewed tomatoes and macaroni and cheese for Fish Friday’s.

“We want to send a special SHOUT OUT to our great employees,” said Brenda. “THANK YOU to a great staff, for standing by us through this craziness, it has been tough, but we are thankful for all of you!”