Kent – Fife ‘n Drum restaurants have served generations of families in their half century in business. The late professional musician Dolph Traymon opened the restaurant on January 20, 1973. Traymon’s daughter Elissa Potts has since taken over the restaurant, which features live music several times a week.
Fife ‘n Drum is hosting its 50th Anniversary Open House on January 19th from 3pm to 7pm
Considering how the restaurant “has grown over time,” Potts said it’s interesting to look back at the restaurant’s 50-year history, from the customers who first came to the restaurant to the original patrons The family and grandchildren of customers today.
“It’s really heartwarming to know the number of people we’ve cared for over the years,” she said.
early years
Before opening Fife ‘n Drum, Potts said her father ran a restaurant called Caro’s in Manhasset, N.Y., for five years while her family lived on Long Island. In addition to running Caro’s with two partners, Tremon plays piano in Long Island, New York and Connecticut, and has performed around the world.
In 1972, Traymon purchased the Fife ‘n Drum property at 53 Main St. and opened the restaurant on January 20, 1973.
The restaurant faced challenges in its early years due to the energy crisis of the 1970s, Potts said. With the oil embargo making it difficult for restaurants to get takeout, she said her father would drive to New York to pick up produce, meat and other items, while her mother would pick up fish from Manhasset.
“It was really tricky at first, but he stuck with it and we kept going,” Potts said. “When the restaurant turned 25, it was like a generation. We really made it, and it felt really good—you become part of the community. We’re here, and the community has definitely changed… More people moved It’s easier to get here, to make a living here … more businesses are opening up, so it’s easier to stay in business.”
Beyond the restaurant’s food and service, Potts said music has always been the glue of the building, with her father’s music becoming “an inherent part of going into this building.” Calling the piano his “absolute joy,” Potts said Traymon enjoys playing piano at restaurants and has an “incredible repertoire” where he plays songs for clients at their request and remembers regulars’ favorites. song.
Dolph Traymon died on Christmas Eve 2016; Potts said he was still playing the piano six weeks before his death. Audrey Traymon passed away in 2018.
Of what her father would say about his restaurant reaching such a milestone, Potts said: “He would be incredibly proud — he loves this business and everything about it so much.”
Looking ahead, Potts said she hopes to stay informed about “food out there, smart,” expose people to music and “be the face of Kent.”
