By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson

Over Three Million Dollars in Renovations have Revived the Former John Harvard’s with Its New, Lush Interior

In January 2008, St. David’s resident and restaurant owner Joe Carney was headed down Lancaster Avenue in Devon when he noticed a familiar name on a sign. His close friend and Main Line commercial realtor J.T. Wilkes was part of the realty group looking to sell the defunct John Harvard’s restaurant. Harvard’s had thrived in the spacious 13,000 square foot building since until the national chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy–leaving a prime piece of local dining real estate up for the taking. Philadelphia sports bar staples Chickie’s and Pete’s and McFadden’s Restaurant had been rumored to be in talks to move in. Carney, owner of Carney’s in Cape May and a 35-year veteran of his family’s restaurant business, made a quick call on his cell.

“I asked J.T. what was going on with this property and he said there had been a lot of interest, I had two weeks to act on it. With the scope of this project so great and time ticking, I reached out to Steve Finley of Finley Catering (Crystal Tea Room, Ballroom at the Ben). Steve came right out here and took one look at the property and said, ‘Let’s do it’,” explained Carney. Two weeks later Carney and Finley settled on the property and began a strategic but brisk three million dollar renovation of the building, gutting it to the studs and developing a name and image that would fit a fastidious and varied Main Line clientele.

The Area’s Strong Equestrian Culture, supported by the nearby Devon Horse Show grounds, inspired the name and theme of the Main Line’s newest dining hotspot.

The Paddock in Devon opened its doors on November 21st and has already seen strong holiday crowds. The restaurant promises classic, fresh American cuisine mixed with classic American fun: a slew of promotions that will appeal to a variety of groups, including families, sports fans and young Main Line social butterflies. Thursday evenings from 5-9 p.m. is family night, with magicians and entertainers roaming the restaurant. A portion of the proceeds, five percent of each dinner bill, is donated to the Radnor ABC Family House (http://www.radnorabc.org), one of the Carneys’ favorite Main Line charities. “It’s a very important part of our business to give back,” said Truda Carney, Joe’s wife and an integral part of The Paddock team. “This is something we initiated into our events, but really it is something that the community can take credit for. The more families and people who come and dine with us on Thursday evenings, the more significant of a donation we can contribute. Some of our customers, I am sure, will not even realize that, by choosing our restaurant on that particular evening, they are supporting a great cause!”

Saturday nights The Paddock has a strong group of local cover bands lined up and on Sundays customers can enjoy brunch from 10-2pm, Prime Rib night, or Karaoke from 8 to midnight. The bar boasts massive flat screens ideal for watching the Birds, Phils, Sixers or Flyers, and Paddock even plans to offer bus trips downtown to the games. “This is a huge sports area, and we want to appeal to the Main Line sports fans certainly and offer them something different,” said Carney. Monday Night Football fans will love five dollar hot carved pork and roast beef sandwiches and three dollar domestic drafts.

Paddock has a Packed Itinerary of Events and Specials Including Sunday Brunch and Saturday Night Cover Bands.

Establishing a strong presence on the thriving and competitive Main Line dining scene is of utmost importance to The Paddock at Devon owners. Simply deciding on the name took a great deal of thought. Carney and Finley kicked around over a hundred options before settling on The Paddock at Devon, influenced by the nearby Devon Horse Show Grounds and a strong equestrian culture in the area. “Since we are just down the street from Devon, a world-renowned horse show, it made sense. And, we liked the idea of the paddock because in riding it’s known as a staging area,” Carney explained. “It also allows us a level of sophistication to appeal to our parties and banquet rooms, our families and singles, really everyone. The name is very inclusive with broad appeal without sounding too formal and that sums up who we are and what we will be to the Main Line. This will be a great gathering place for everyone.”

The Paddock at Devon is open every day of the week and is located at 629 West Lancaster Avenue in Devon, PA 19087. For more information call 610-687-3533 or visit the website: www.devonpaddock.com

Monday thru Friday Happy Hour 5pm-7pm
$5 Martinis; $4 House wine

Sunday

Brunch 10am-2pm
$18.95 Adults &13.95 Children (14 and under)

Prime Rib Night– 4pm-9pm
$19.95 (includes 16oz king cut, potato, vegetable, salad complimentary glass of wine, draft beer or soft drink.)

Karaoke 8pm-12pm

Monday

Monday Night Football
$3 Domestic Drafts 9pm-2am
$5 Hot Hand Carved Sandwiches

Tuesday

Quizos with BIG DADDY GRAHAM WIP 610 TALK SHOW RADIO 8pm-12am
PRIZES & GIFT CERTIFICATES

Sushi Night

Wednesday

Live Mike LeCompt and Friends Unplugged 9pm-2am
$3 Bud and Bud Light Bottles 9pm-1am

Thursday

Family Night 5pm–9pm
Dinner Specials, Magicians & Balloon Creations.
5% of your dinner bill is donated to RADNOR A BETTER CHANCE HOUSE
$3 Miller Draft $3 Bottles 9pm-1am DJ Performer Sal Anthony 8pm-12pm

Friday

Performer Sal Anthony 5pm-9pm Happy Hour 5pm-7pm
South Jersey’s DJ Quick 10pm-2am

Saturday

LIVE Tri State Areas Finest Bands. NO COVER 10pm-2am