Patterson’s Owner Mulls Sale And Retirement After 27 Years
SACKVILLE–After nearly 30 years running a restaurant in Sackville, Danny Patterson is mulling retirement and searching for someone to take the reins.
Patterson, the co-owner of Patterson’s Family Restaurant, said he’s had a few local nibbles after putting the restaurant up for sale for $1.4-million.
Patterson bought two houses and converted them into the restaurant that today sits at 16 Mallard Dr. He said he’s changing his mind a lot about the prospect of selling the restaurant.
“I listed it, but good God, it’s a big move. I’ve been here at Patterson’s for 27, going on 28 years,” he told Hudde in an interview.
Patterson also worked at his mother’s restaurant, the former Eva’s Place, for 12 years. He said it’s a rewarding line of work but that he’s been considering retirement for the last few years.
“My wife retired at 55 but I’m the type of person who can’t sit still for one minute, so I wouldn’t have been able to retire at 55. She wants to travel and I’d like to golf–and we can keep ourselves busy with our grandkids and stuff,” he said.
“It’s a big move, but what do you do, you know? I know a couple of guys who worked until they died–I don’t want to do that. I’d like to go golfing and traveling and just need the freedom of retirement. But, when I get up in the morning, it’s nice to have a purpose to come here and do this. It’s just back-and-forth, but it’s out there and if it sells I’m probably going to sell, if they pay what I’m asking.”
Although he preferred not to name any of the people considering a purchase, Patterson said he doesn’t anticipate much changing about the restaurant.
“They don’t even want to change the name,” he said, adding that some of the potential buyers want him to stick around for a year or so to help out.
I’m willing to do that–I’m not going to be here seven days a week, but I can certainly give them guidance and help out. I live in Sackville and I’d help anyone who took over, to keep it going.”
Patterson’s, which sits a stone’s throw from where the Trans-Canada Highway passes town, attracts a gamut of patrons. Patterson said about eight out of ten diners are locals and regulars.
“We’re not known for anything in particular. Everything on the menu sells well,” he said, referring to a broad menu that features anything from breakfast staples and sandwiches, to seafood platters.
Patterson noted the pandemic had little to do with his decision to put the family restaurant on the market. He said he pivoted to takeout to cope with restrictions and that they’re well underway to a full recovery from Covid-19’s economic impacts. The only other impact was seen with staff, when he had to reduce a roster of 47 employees.
At the time of writing, 24 people were working at Patterson’s.
Patterson, who co-owns the restaurant with his cousin, Carl Ward, said Ward will be selling his stake in the restaurant if they find a buyer.
“About five years ago I sold half of it to Carl. He and I both own it but he doesn’t work here – he’s got a hydraulics and fire safety systems business out west. He comes home for a couple of weeks at a time and might come to eat here, but that’s it,” said Patterson.
“He said, ‘The only reason I bought half the restaurant is because you wanted me to. If you’re selling, I’m selling my stake too.’”
Sam Macdonald is a Huddle reporter in Moncton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].