In 1997, my family and I embarked on an exciting journey by acquiring a quaint restaurant and sports bar on the picturesque Nantucket Island. We named it after our cherished pet pig, Pudley, with the ambition of crafting a welcoming space for the community—a place where everyone could unite to cheer for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. While many perceive Nantucket as a playground for the elite, we were drawn to its authentic spirit, where locals uplift one another and cultivate a sense of belonging. The prospect of running a restaurant was initially daunting, but the unwavering support from our friends on the island helped us navigate the challenges of securing funding. As restaurateurs, we have dedicated ourselves to treating every patron with kindness and respect, whether they are construction workers, CEOs, or even the President of the United States.
Our connection with the Biden family began just a year after we opened, when we received a call requesting a take-out Thanksgiving dinner. This marked the start of a relationship that has taken us to the Oval Office, the West Wing, and even standing alongside Air Force One. Over the years, we’ve witnessed Joe Biden’s transformation from Senator to Vice President and now to President. Although security protocols have become more stringent and media requests have increased, one thing has remained constant: our bond with a down-to-earth family man whose warmth and kindness light up any room. This serves as a poignant reminder that while politics can often be harsh and divisive, personal connections can bridge those gaps.
Joe Biden represents the essence of valuing tradition over status, a principle that has guided him throughout his political career. The Biden family has been making their way to Nantucket for Thanksgiving since 1975, becoming cherished members of the island community, which, in November, is predominantly comprised of working-class locals. The President has even taken part in local events like the Cold Turkey Plunge to raise funds for the community library. We’ve been fortunate to play a part in these festivities, crafting traditional meals like turkey and stuffing, and even adding lobster upon request. Senator Biden became a valued patron, and our connection deepened when he took on the role of Vice President. One unforgettable year, he surprised us by coming through the back door bearing a gift—a hat featuring the vice-presidential seal—much like local fishermen would bring in their fresh catch. Our honest, homestyle cooking may not have conferred prestige, but it cultivated a sense of reliability and connection to the often-overlooked community.
Read more: Explore Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation that Established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
As restaurant owners, we understand the critical importance of our dedicated staff in achieving success. From servers to cooks to dishwashers, each team member plays an essential role, and our operations would falter without them. This understanding also resonates in the realm of politics. After Biden assumed the Vice Presidency, we welcomed numerous Secret Service agents into our establishment, serving them both take-out and dine-in meals. We quickly recognized them by their exceptional manners—always polite, courteous, and grateful. We also had the opportunity to connect with those who facilitated our visits to the tarmac, tours of the White House, and participation in the annual Easter Egg roll. President Biden made a promise to reciprocate our hospitality should we ever visit the Capitol, and his staff ensured that promise was honored.
Operating a successful year-round restaurant in Nantucket relies on nurturing strong community relationships. Customers who feel appreciated and secure are more likely to return, bringing along their families and friends for celebrations, birthdays, and weddings. Authenticity and kindness are essential for a thriving business, principles that resonate in political spheres as well. Since our initial connection with the Bidens, we’ve received annual requests for Thanksgiving take-out dinners. One memorable call came from Dr. Jill Biden during the Iowa Caucuses, letting us know they wouldn’t be able to make it to Nantucket that year. After he took office, we had to remind ourselves to refer to him as “Mr. President,” because to us, he had always simply been “Joe.” Each year, we receive a handwritten note or a signed photo, reminding us that despite his position in the White House, he remains the same person we’ve known for years.
Moreover, we’ve come to realize that Biden’s authenticity—often misconstrued as gaffes when he veers off script or engages in light-hearted exchanges—truly reflects his character. The consistency we’ve witnessed in our private conversations mirrors the genuine persona he portrays in public. Whether he’s passionately advocating for a policy to world leaders or posing for pictures with our staff, the same warmth and commitment to serving others shine through.
Ultimately, the takeaway here is that politics need not be a battleground; it can instead prioritize personal connections and community building. As President Biden prepares to leave the White House, we recognize that, for us, his legacy will center on the significance of nurturing meaningful relationships.
We do not affiliate with any political party. However, our experiences have granted us a unique perspective into the highest political office in the nation. Through this journey, we have gained a deeper respect for the office and an appreciation for the individuals who guide our government, along with their capacity for kindness toward everyday people like us.
