905 Simonds Road, Williamstown, MA 01267 – (413) 458-5120

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Spice Root owners buy Chef’s Hat in Williamstown and vow to keep the Americana vibe

By Scott Stafford, The Berkshire Eagle July 26, 2022.

Restaurants In The Berkshires, Breakfast In The Berkshires, Lunch In The Berkshires, Restaurants Williamstown MA, Breakfast Williamstown MA, Lunch Williamstown MA

WILLIAMSTOWN — Steve and Monica Lawrence marked the 20th anniversary of their well-known Williamstown restaurant, the Spice Root on Spring Street, by purchasing another.

The couple now runs the Chef’s Hat, at 905 Simonds Road, and promise to leave it largely unchanged, to the relief of staff and regular customers.

Upon the closing of the sale this month, the Lawrences say they knew the staff at the Chef’s Hat would wonder whether they would keep their jobs. The new owners made a point to let them know that the menu would remain, as would all the staff.

Mind you, with upgrades made to the building and appliances, and other items replaced, such as plates and flatware.

“We are not just owners, we are part of the team,” said Steve Lawrence. “You have to support each other — we’re not here just to make money, we’re here to create community.”

Fans of the Chef’s Hat needn’t worry about major changes, says Monica Lawrence. “We don’t want to change it because there are so many people with memories of this place, and some of them have been coming here since they were young,” she said.

Steve Lawrence’s father is a chef in India. Monica’s father is a food inspector in India. They feel they were meant to be in the restaurant business.

And they welcome the idea of running two restaurants with widely different cuisines: Spice Root features Indian dishes, while the Chef’s Hat is mainly a diner featuring traditional American meals.

“As a chef,” said Steve Lawrence, “I like to work with different palates, different spice groups.”

The couple says they enjoy the restaurant business mostly because they get to meet people and make friends.

“This is my passion, my whole life,” Steve Lawrence said.

“He really is a people person,” said Monica Lawrence. “We both are.”

The couple bought the Chef’s Hat for $165,000 from previous owner Dave Rock. They plan on investing more than $100,000 in the building and equipment over several phases.

The building has housed food service businesses for years, including an ice cream shop and the Star Diner. It has been the Chef’s Hat for about 14 years.

“We are local people, we have many friends here,” Monica Lawrence said. “And we are happy to accommodate all kinds of people. Everyone should feel like this is their place.”

The Lawrences plan an opening party from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 featuring free hot dogs and burgers and ice cream.

“We’re doing this to say thank you to the community,” said Steve Lawrence. “This isn’t our restaurant. It is the community’s restaurant.”

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WILLIAMSTOWN — Steve and Monica Lawrence marked the 20th anniversary of their well-known Williamstown restaurant, the Spice Root on Spring Street, by purchasing another.

The couple now runs the Chef’s Hat, at 905 Simonds Road, and promise to leave it largely unchanged, to the relief of staff and regular customers.

“We are not just owners, we are part of the team,” said Steve Lawrence. “You have to support each other — we’re not here just to make money, we’re here to create community.”

Fans of the Chef’s Hat needn’t worry about major changes, says Monica Lawrence. “We don’t want to change it because there are so many people with memories of this place, and some of them have been coming here since they were young,” she said.

The couple says they enjoy the restaurant business mostly because they get to meet people and make friends.

“This is my passion, my whole life,” Steve Lawrence said.

“He really is a people person,” said Monica Lawrence. “We both are.”

“We are local people, we have many friends here,” Monica Lawrence said. “And we are happy to accommodate all kinds of people. Everyone should feel like this is their place.”

By Scott Stafford, The Berkshire Eagle
July 26, 2022

Restaurants In The Berkshires, Breakfast In The Berkshires, Lunch In The Berkshires, Restaurants Williamstown MA, Breakfast Williamstown MA, Lunch Williamstown MA
ENJOY EVERY BITE!

Gallery

SOME OF THE DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED AT THE CHEF'S HAT.

Breakfast ...Served All Day

Breakfast ...Served All Day

Eggs, Pancakes, Omelets, French Toast & More!

Chef's Hat Specials

Chef's Hat Specials

Our Specials Are Sure To Please!

Enjoy A Delicious, Freshly Made Salad

Enjoy A Delicious, Freshly Made Salad

Taco Salad, Chef Salad, Chicken Salad & More!

Burgers, Sandwiches & Wraps

Burgers, Sandwiches & Wraps

From A Reuben To A Crispy Chicken Wrap!

Home Style Cooking

Home Style Cooking

The Chef’s Hat …Delicious Home Style Cooking.

Delicious Desserts

Delicious Desserts

The Perfect Ending!

Restaurants In The Berkshires, Breakfast In The Berkshires, Lunch In The Berkshires, Restaurants Williamstown MA, Breakfast Williamstown MA, Lunch Williamstown MA
ENJOY EVERY BITE!

Gallery

SOME OF THE DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED AT THE CHEF'S HAT.

Breakfast ...Served All Day

Breakfast ...Served All Day

Eggs, Pancakes, Omelets, French Toast & More!

Chef's Hat Specials

Chef's Hat Specials

Our Specials Are Sure To Please!

Enjoy A Delicious, Freshly Made Salad

Enjoy A Delicious, Freshly Made Salad

Taco Salad, Chef Salad, Chicken Salad & More!

Burgers, Sandwiches & Wraps

Burgers, Sandwiches & Wraps

From A Reuben To A Crispy Chicken Wrap!

Home Style Cooking

Home Style Cooking

The Chef’s Hat …Delicious Home Style Cooking.

Delicious Desserts

Delicious Desserts

The Perfect Ending!

Customer Reviews

5/5

First visit since new owners took over! Our server was absolutely wonderful. She made us feel like we’ve been regulars there for ever. Talked to us, didn’t just take an order. The food was great! I usually find it difficult to find something I can enjoy in a diner style restaurant (egg allergy) but I found something delicious to “hit the spot”! We’ll definitely go back and bring others.
– Robert B.

5/5

Not the Chef’s Hat I’ve gone to before which was kind of Meh. Now under new ownership they really have improved to the point I think Williamstown now has a bonified breakfast place. Lunch offering were just as good. Had a reuben worthy of any city deli. I think others are discovering it too as I see their parking lot filling up these days.
– David

5/5

Had a wonderful lunch with my wife here today. Service was great, food was hot and yummy. Staff was very friendly.
– Charley

5/5

Love the food!!
– Angela P.

5/5

Dietary restrictions: They have delicious gluten free pancakes.
– Mildred H.

5/5

Been here a few times and has been good food.
– Jordan M.

5/5

Went to breakfast with family and friends. Food was great. Big portions.
– Gloria F.

5/5

Great big mug of coffee, fast friendly service. Bright and clean, definitely will go back!
– Denise W.

5/5

Omelets are on point. Quick service, even with a full house. Will definitely be back.
– Jason G.

5/5

Off Route 7 connecting VT and MA, The Chef’s Hat has a lot to offer both breakfast and lunch. We tried their Monte Cristo and Waffle w/blueberries. Both were amazing and the service was friendly. Will definitely stop by again if in the area.
– N B

5/5

Excellent food, service and price. I recommend it to anyone.
– Linda C.

5/5

Pretty much the best breakfast around. Nice staff and management. Family friendly food.
– John B.

5/5

Awesome food. Just recently started doing gluten free pancakes and bread and having a gluten intolerance this is a plus. Super friendly staff.
– Susan G.