“Former owners open Mercersburg restaurant for 2nd time”

Former owners open Mercersburg restaurant for 2nd time

MERCERSBURG -- The owners of the James Buchanan Hotel and Restaurant are bringing a blend of eastern European and modern American cuisine to the recently reopened restaurant in Mercersburg.

Catalin and Judy Bonciu had sold the business a few years ago, but it later closed at the height of the recession.

When it became available again, Judy Bonciu said there was no hesitation to reopen the restaurant.

"There was no second thought. We knew we had to keep the restaurant viable," she said. "We wanted to go back to the European blend and we have such a passion for this building."

The previous menu centered on New Orleans cuisine, but the newly reopened restaurant will feature a blend of eastern European and modern American dishes, in addition to some James Buchanan signature dishes, an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails.

The Boncius said their goal is to create an atmosphere similar to a European restaurant, where dining is as much about the experience as it is about the food.

"Everyone is in a hurry," said Catalin Bonciu, who is originally from Romania. "Sit down, relax and let us feed you and have a nice glass of wine and enjoy the evening. In Europe, people spend a long time in the restaurant. They don't just go in and out."

Catalin Bonciu grew up working in the kitchens of European restaurants, his wife said.

They originally opened a pub-restaurant in the historic downtown Mercersburg building in 1993.

When they reacquired

it, they added a seasonal beer garden outside and made some renovations to the building, while still keeping the historical ambiance intact.

The building was the boyhood home of 15th President James Buchanan.

Buchanan's father opened a store in what is now the pub.

Officials from the Tuscarora Area, Hagerstown, and Greencastle-Antrim chambers of commerce are to conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the James Buchanan Hotel and Restaurant, 15 N. Main St., at 4:30 p.m. today.

The business is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Back in the saddle: Catalin Bonciu, owner of James Buchanan Pub and Restaurant, poses with his chef, Matt Merkel, and manager, Toby Smith.