French King Restaurant Grand Reopening Nov. 16

THOMASTOWN – In celebration of not only extensive renovations, but also their 60th anniversary, the French King Restaurant will host a grand reopening weekend beginning Friday, Nov. 16.

The grand reopening will continue through Sunday night, and on Saturday it will include a live performance by Charlie Scott and the Reprobate Blues Band starting at 8 p.m.

The restaurant has been redecorated, renovated and repainted, offering two fireplaces, new furniture, new windows and patio dining. In addition to the main dining room, a smaller, 60-person dining room/bar will be restored and made available for private functions. The kitchen and restrooms have also been given a complete facelift.

But it’s not just a new look! New General Manager Scott Hardy has expanded the menu to cater to all tastes with more salads, wraps, burgers, seafood, Italian dishes and a full kids section. Some classics remain, such as the prime rib and the Yankee pot roast, both originated by Helen Prondecki, who opened the establishment in 1954 with her husband Ed. Now the French King is owned by the next generation, Frank and Deborah Prondecki, continuing the family tradition.

Deborah explained recently that the restaurant is meant to be genuinely family-style in response to huge, cookie-cutter chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s.

While the restaurant and lounge are open for business, the motel section remains under extensive renovation. Several rooms are being combined into two suites with full kitchens, and all the rooms are getting rebuilt from the studs up.

Deborah noted that the French King stands somewhat alone on Route 2, where most places to stay and eat are clustered in the cities off the highway, this one stands only yards away from the Route itself and is immediately adjacent to the scenic French King Bridge over the Connecticut River.

For a peek at the full menu, directions or more information, visit frenchkingrestaurant.com. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.