MARLBOROUGH – Patrons of Kennedy’s Restaurant & Market are greeted with open arms.
Or, more specifically, an open hand.
“High Five” – a large sculpture that depicts the silhouette of an outstretched, high-five-ready hand – is located just outside the establishment in perfect position for motorists to see as they travel down Route 85. Unveiled in June with city and state leaders present, Kennedy’s gift of public artwork to the Marlborough community was in honor of the late Dennis Kennedy, who founded the restaurant in 1981.
Almost 50 years later, Kennedy’s is now managed by Michael Kennedy, Dennis Kennedy’s son, but the company’s philosophy has remained the same. Now a Marlborough staple, Kennedy’s is passionate about providing amazing food, quality service, and a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Family member Julie Doherty said, “Once you enter those doors, you’re family here.”
“We’ve had our customers grow with us. People have come as young couples, had children. Customers that were once in high chairs, now they’re bringing their children. That has been a fabulous feeling of community, and all of us here at Kennedy’s take a great amount of pride in being able to provide it to guests and community members,” she said.
“Generationally, we need these foundations to help build communities,” said Marlborough Economic Development Committee Hospitality Outreach Manager Lindsey Jaworek, describing Kennedy’s impact on the city. “When you have a place like Kennedy’s that’s home – a place to go and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, or Thursday nights with grandma – it’s really important.”
In a space filled with comfortable booths and artwork from Marlborough Public School students, Kennedy’s serves a menu full of time-tested recipes and great new specials. It’s mainly comfort food – clam chowder, chicken supreme, sirloin tips – with fresh seafood options, salads, and an assortment of attractive appetizers, including pub popovers and boneless buffalo wings.
Kennedy’s also offers grab-and-go options at its market, which is managed by David Kennedy. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, and salads in addition to fresh seafood, meats and deli options. Looking for something quick? There’s also Kennedy’s Streetside, which serves lobster rolls, onion rings, fish ‘n’ chips and other fare. And don’t forget dessert: Streetside makes phenomenal brownie, sugar-waffle, and popover sundaes.
“Our chefs are cooking with such passion. It’s as if they’re feeding their own family. If something doesn’t seem perfect, they will not let it go out. The customers are tasting that, and they’re getting a great experience,” said Business Development Leader Sharon Decker, who worked as a server at Kennedy’s for 26 years before assuming her current role. “The expectation is that people leave almost shaking their heads, saying, ‘How does Kennedy’s do that?’ We want customers to feel welcomed and well-cared for.”
Photo/Michael Kennedy
The restaurant also boasts a spacious, flower-filled outdoor patio, constructed during the pandemic. The space, complete with an outdoor bar, heaters, fans, water features and breathtaking landscaping, is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy good food and the company of others. It’s a place that’s serene and social.
“It’s a wonderful part of my day when I’m working because customers are really in awe of the space. We call it our ‘secret garden patio.’ Customers say they’d have no idea they were sitting near Route 85. It’s secluded and beautiful. It invites people to stay, and we have entertainment a couple nights a week,” said Decker.
“We have a sense of pride, and we’re filled with gratitude. Grateful for our wonderful staff and the amazing people that support us,” said Michael Kennedy.
Kennedy’s Restaurant & Market is located at 247 Maple St. (Route 85) in Marlborough. For more information, visit https://www.kennedyspub.com or call 508-485-5800. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner service (hours differ throughout the week), with breakfast on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
