Business Spotlight
Hunter's Bar and Grill
Described by both its owners and regulars as “the Cheers of Potomac,” Hunter’s Bar and Grill is the kind of place that truly makes you feel like a part of something. With a menu that feels upscale but comfortable, Hunter’s has been providing clients with a neighborhood hangout for over 30 years in the heart of Potomac Village. Owned by the Berman brothers, Fred and Murray, along with their wives, Dora and Sylvia, they have managed to attract a clientele that keeps coming back not only for the wonderful food and heavy pour, but for the companionship and sense of community.
Fred Berman, one of the brother owners of Hunter’s, has been in the restaurant industry for over 65 years. He began his career working at his mother’s bar at 3000 Connecticut Avenue – affectionately referred to as The Zoo Bar, – which was purchased and operated by his mother beginning in 1951. The logical career step for Fred came in the form of his own restaurant in 1991. That’s Amore in Rockville was a fabulous and well-regarded family-style Italian restaurant, modeled after the famed La Vie En Rose of Chicago. Fred continued his prolific career of restaurant ownership, opening seven restaurants after That’s Amore, a testament to his ability to run a successful business. Following a disagreement with his partners, Fred parted ways with his existing restaurant brands, and he and Murray purchased what was then known as Hunter’s Inn (at the time, described as one of the most underachieving restaurants in the area), which became the restaurant widely known and loved in Potomac. The Bermans have perfected the secret recipe for a successful restaurant. With the four of them at its helm, Hunter’s became a family legacy, and a true staple of Potomac Village.
Fred Berman, one of the brother owners of Hunter’s, has been in the restaurant industry for over 65 years. He began his career working at his mother’s bar at 3000 Connecticut Avenue – affectionately referred to as The Zoo Bar, – which was purchased and operated by his mother beginning in 1951. The logical career step for Fred came in the form of his own restaurant in 1991. That’s Amore in Rockville was a fabulous and well-regarded family-style Italian restaurant, modeled after the famed La Vie En Rose of Chicago. Fred continued his prolific career of restaurant ownership, opening seven restaurants after That’s Amore, a testament to his ability to run a successful business. Following a disagreement with his partners, Fred parted ways with his existing restaurant brands, and he and Murray purchased what was then known as Hunter’s Inn (at the time, described as one of the most underachieving restaurants in the area), which became the restaurant widely known and loved in Potomac. The Bermans have perfected the secret recipe for a successful restaurant. With the four of them at its helm, Hunter’s became a family legacy, and a true staple of Potomac Village.
Great food, great prices, great drinks, and great company – those have always been the cornerstones celebrated at Hunter’s. Fred, Murray, Dora, and Sylvia entertain a wide variety of regulars that span many age and socioeconomic groups. They provide wonderful Italian and American cuisine, full service bar with strong cocktails and top choice wines, and many events that promote community and neighborhood involvement. Their regulars have formed something of a family, and are pleased and proud to call Hunter’s their home base.
The menu at Hunter’s has always been thought of as a collaborative effort. Many dishes have been added and removed throughout the years, but much of the menu has stayed consistent, much to the delight of their regulars. Some recipes and menu items have traveled from as far back as That’s Amore’s menu in 1991, along with some trusted, long-time kitchen staff that have been with Hunter’s for several decades. It is through that consistency and comfort that they have fostered such a beloved environment.
The menu at Hunter’s has always been thought of as a collaborative effort. Many dishes have been added and removed throughout the years, but much of the menu has stayed consistent, much to the delight of their regulars. Some recipes and menu items have traveled from as far back as That’s Amore’s menu in 1991, along with some trusted, long-time kitchen staff that have been with Hunter’s for several decades. It is through that consistency and comfort that they have fostered such a beloved environment.
Many events bring both new and returning customers through the doors at Hunter’s – from wine tastings, to parties and private events, to wedding rehearsals, receptions, funerals, Halloween costume parties, bridal showers, Super Bowl parties, Christmas Eve dinners, and so much more – Hunter’s has always prided themselves in being able to serve their customers both great food and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Unfortunately, COVID forced Hunter’s to change many things. They still remain a comfortable neighborhood hangout, but many events had to be adjusted or canceled, and the staff at Hunter’s found themselves adjusting to a very different dining world. With many customers switching to carry-out and the cost of both supplies and ingredients rising across the board, the management at Hunter’s had to make the difficult decision to increase some prices in order to remain afloat as times changed. Things have begun to open back up as people settle into a newer normal, and Hunter’s is excited to see many of their regulars return.
“We try to make people comfortable. That’s our job,” Fred says brightly, in describing the kind of community-centric approach they endeavor to foster at Hunter’s. The whole team hopes to welcome back both regulars and new customers as more business return to normal operations. While the pandemic made many parts of running a restaurant more difficult, they are striving to return to more community engagement activities. If you find yourself in the heart of Potomac Village, seeking the kind of restaurant where you can become a regular fixture – give Hunter’s Bar and Grill a try, where a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable menu are sure to offer some enjoyment and comfort in these unique times.
Unfortunately, COVID forced Hunter’s to change many things. They still remain a comfortable neighborhood hangout, but many events had to be adjusted or canceled, and the staff at Hunter’s found themselves adjusting to a very different dining world. With many customers switching to carry-out and the cost of both supplies and ingredients rising across the board, the management at Hunter’s had to make the difficult decision to increase some prices in order to remain afloat as times changed. Things have begun to open back up as people settle into a newer normal, and Hunter’s is excited to see many of their regulars return.
“We try to make people comfortable. That’s our job,” Fred says brightly, in describing the kind of community-centric approach they endeavor to foster at Hunter’s. The whole team hopes to welcome back both regulars and new customers as more business return to normal operations. While the pandemic made many parts of running a restaurant more difficult, they are striving to return to more community engagement activities. If you find yourself in the heart of Potomac Village, seeking the kind of restaurant where you can become a regular fixture – give Hunter’s Bar and Grill a try, where a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable menu are sure to offer some enjoyment and comfort in these unique times.
