Credit: Tuesdee Fleming
On July 1, 2008, Aaron and Eileen Sneddon became the owners of their eponymous luncheonette on Bridge Street in the City of Lambertville.
Sneddon’s Luncheonette had been family operated since Eileen’s in-laws, John and Jackie, bought the space in the late 1980s from Aaron’s grandparents.
During those years, Sneddon’s had become a staple of the Lambertville community, ushering in a host of patrons that would become something of a second family.
Paintings lined the walls above the booths, including those of local scenery and the luncheonette’s entrance. Below, the booths were separated, due to a continued COVID-19 restrictions, alternately taped off with pride flag decorations. The center of the luncheonette typically had table seating but was now empty.
A recent change in ownership has left some of the more die hard locals skeptical regarding any upcoming changes.
“I don’t know how the new owners will proceed, but they won’t have the same Lambertville people, and that’s important to have that ingredient. These people did it for many years,” said a long-time patron, one of many waiting in line on the second-to-last day earlier this month before Sneddon’s would shutter its doors.
However, Eileen had stressed that the new proprietors had “given every indication” that they’d keep the tradition of a luncheonette alive, seeking a similar place of comfort imbued within Sneddon’s legacy.
Eileen said she had also been asked, by the new owners, for the same list of purveyors and some of the artwork on the walls.
On one of the last days, a line of locals continued to form; many frequented the luncheonette for decades. The queue often led past the front door. Many would express gratitude towards the owners for creating a familial environment, a home away from home.
One could see diners embracing servers and chit-chatting as if picking up from where they left off during a previous visit.
“Our waitresses are fantastic waitresses, almost always [they] will know what you’re drinking and bring it over to you before you can order,” said Eileen in an interview with the New Hope Free Press.
Eager diners wait for their chance to sit in one of the booths or on the plush seated stools at the lunch counter. The hearty, delicious food was cooked on a grill in full view by Aaron, the head chef, who manned the station with gusto. He’d been a chef at Sneddon’s for roughly 30 years.
Paul Kuhl, who sat at the counter, spoke with admiration about the luncheonette while enjoying his meal.
“I’m eating a pork roll, egg n’ cheese sandwich. I was introduced to them here. So, I wanted to come back here one more time,” he said.
On the wall above the grill, steaming coffee pots, and condiments, were enlarged pictures of Aaron and Eileen’s children and nieces.
“I had someone say to me the other day, ‘Oh my gosh, my kids grew up here,’ and I said, ‘Mine did too! My kids grew up in this restaurant<‘ Eileen said.
Having grown up in Lambertville, Eileen’s connection to the town and its community runs deep.
“I really think we’ll all look back and say, ‘We have such great memories. It was such a wonderful place,’ Eileen said, “and, like I said, hopefully, someone will be able to continue something along those lines. I’m really very hopeful for that.”
Leave a Comment