One thing that long standing family businesses have in common is their stories. Stories that may have been handed down through generations of owners, employees and customers. The history in photos, documents and memories are comforting and provide us with a sense of continuity and community. Long standing family businesses provide us with comfort and roots.
Since 1933 there has been an inn near the airport on Bear Tavern Road in Ewing that has been welcoming travelers. Providing hospitality to airport patrons and locals alike, Al’s Airport Inn is keeping the tradition alive and looking to the future. Nestled on a flat plain in the middle of rolling hills, it is easy to think back 88 years and see the warmly lit inn on the outskirts of the airfield, as you climb out of the newly burgeoning transport mode of passenger airplanes.
Family owned and operated, Al’s Airport Inn is now owned by Carrie Ann Bondi, and she is looking to enhance the traditional tavern experience. Taking the time during a shutdown for the pandemic to remodel the floors, ceilings and painting the interior, the inn retains its colonial feel but is much newer and brighter inside. “Of course we kept the building looking like “Al’s”. We had to keep the exposed beams, woodwork, and brick. The original building dates back to the 1700s and we want to showcase that,” states Bondi.
Originating right after the airport was built in 1929, Al’s Airport Inn was purchased from by Bondi from her husband’s grandmother in 2018. “It was time for Grandmom to retire as she was in her 90s and it was either sell it to strangers or buy the inn.” Say Bondi. “My husband’s grandparents acquired the business from Al Jones and his wife from which they were partnered with in the Jones’ later years. The inn is named after Al, of course.”
Starting a new venture was almost as important as keeping the inn within the family. Previously working as a marketing and social media consultant, Bondi took the chance, purchased the inn, and has not looked back.
“We were forced to close for 8 months due to the pandemic and have been slowly building back to 25, 50 and now 100 percent capacity. We are especially grateful to our community. We could not have done it without their loyalty and encouragement. Many places did not re-open, long-established places, so we are truly appreciative of the support,” says Bondi. “The regulars were very excited as we re-opened. They had been cooped up a long time and were very happy to see the changes made here.”
Many in Ewing frequent Al’s as they may miss the venerable Freddie’s Tavern, which closed in 2019. Freddie’s was also opened in 1933 and was operated by the Urbano family for generations. “Many of the Urbanos will frequent Al’s now and enjoy a meal,” says Bondi. “We still have a hometown feel that people enjoy. This is still a people oriented business, and that is impossible to achieve with a chain restaurant.”
Patrons are longtime residents of the area, people affiliated with the airport, even travelers on flight delays. “The upgrades to the airport and the uptick in travel again are very helpful to the Inn,” says Bondi. “We even get people who come in after their flying lessons. After their lessons!” she reiterates.
Al’s now has a full-time chef in Chris Warms, and a whole new menu. There are appetizers, daily soups and specials along with pub fare of burgers, tacos and sandwiches. There is much more variety, and the menu is updated via the website with specials announced on social media.
Joseph Vargo and his wife Kim are Ewing residents and longtime patrons of Al’s. They have noticed the changes and the new menu. “Now there is much better selection and whole dinners. Previously they served mostly bar snacks. Now with dinners offered, it is much more of a destination. They have definitely kept the corner bar feeling but with great food and a more family atmosphere. It’s a big improvement. We enjoy the atmosphere and meeting friends at Al’s,” says Vargo.
Bondi states, “We are a much more family, community based, gathering place. We put in more tables for a restaurant feel and have live music four nights a week. If the musicians have a following, that is great, but the musicians can also build a following here.” There is live music on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. “The music is classic rock, pop, acoustic and singer-songwriter types. It is very popular.”
Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday, with drink specials and an extensive menu. “People love the brunch. They enjoy that they don’t have to venture to Princeton or Lambertville to enjoy a great brunch.”
Being family oriented is important to Bondi. The inn played a large part in her current family history too. She met her future husband, Joseph, here, as it was his family’s business. Their 7- and 9-year-old boys, Wyatt and Ryder, are already showing interest in the restaurant by both offering recipe suggestions and providing tasting services.
Bondi emphasizes inclusion at the inn. “We have a monthly LGBQT happy hour, but make everyone feel welcome every day of the week. We want to keep a community feel for the entire community. We host fundraisers, parties and other events to celebrate the community we serve. Inclusion is very important to us. Very important.”
With Bondi’s background in marketing and social media, communication is key. “We announce our music schedule, drink specials and menu favorites on Facebook and get great reactions. Immediate connection to thousands of followers makes it easier to get the word out. We are all so busy it is a great way to stay in touch with the community.” say Bondi.
It would be remiss to write an article on a colonial era building and not speak about some occurrences that seem to be very apparent there. While the word haunted is strong, there have been instances where some unexplained phenomena have been witnessed.
Bondi elaborates, “There have been sightings of Revolutionary war soldiers walking on the property outside. This area was highly traveled by Washington’s troops after the crossing of the Delaware on Christmas, 1776. Some soldiers were said to have frozen to death in these parts. Many patrons and area residents have seen these soldiers. It is generally understood that they are still walking around here.”
“There have also been instances of more than natural events inside the tavern. Chairs being pushed in by unseen hand and lights flickering at closing time. These are mostly acknowledged to be Al Jones, the original owner and it is his way of helping to prepare for closing as he did many, many times.”
Family and community oriented, Al’s Airport Inn continues a long-standing family business in a time when it sometimes seems that chain restaurants are taking over and home cooking is a thing of the past. Continuing the traditions of the Al’s Airport Inn, and starting new ones, is surely a welcome sight from the air or from the ground.
Al’s Airport Inn, 636 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing. Open Sundays through Thursdays, noon to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 2 a.m. 609-883-5252 or www.alsairportinn.com.
