Back in 1997, my family and I took a bold step and acquired a quaint restaurant and sports bar on the delightful Nantucket Island. We decided to name it after our cherished pet pig, Pudley, with the intention of establishing a warm and friendly gathering place for the local community—a spot where folks could come together to cheer on the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. While many see Nantucket as a retreat for the affluent and famous, we were captivated by its authentic spirit—a place where locals genuinely support one another and create a sense of belonging. Although diving into the restaurant business felt daunting at first, the encouragement from our island friends guided us through the funding process. As restaurant owners, we have dedicated ourselves to treating every customer with respect and kindness, whether they are construction workers, CEOs, or even the President of the United States.
Our connection with the Biden family began just a year after we opened, when they reached out to request a take-out Thanksgiving dinner. This marked the start of a relationship that has taken us to the Oval Office, the West Wing, and even to the tarmac with Air Force One. Over the years, we’ve watched Joe Biden transition from Senator to Vice President and now to President. While security protocols have tightened and media inquiries have increased, one thing has remained steadfast: our bond with a down-to-earth family man whose genuine warmth fills any space. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that while politics can often be divisive, personal relationships have the power to bridge those gaps.
Joe Biden exemplifies the principle of valuing tradition over status—a guiding philosophy throughout his political journey. The Biden family has been visiting Nantucket for Thanksgiving since 1975, weaving themselves into the fabric of the island community, which, in November, is largely made up of hardworking locals. The President has even joined in local events, like the Cold Turkey Plunge, to raise funds for the community library. We’ve had the pleasure of contributing to these festivities by preparing staple dishes like turkey and stuffing, and even adding lobster upon request. Senator Biden became a valued patron, and our connection only deepened when he took on the role of Vice President. One unforgettable year, he surprised us by walking through the back door to present us with a keepsake—a hat featuring the vice-presidential seal—similar to how local fishermen would share their fresh catch. While our straightforward, homestyle cooking may not have garnered accolades, it fostered a sense of reliability and connection to the often-overlooked community.
Read more: Explore Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation that Established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
As restaurant owners, we understand the essential role our dedicated staff plays in our success. From servers to cooks to dishwashers, each member of our team is crucial, and we couldn’t thrive without them. This realization is equally true in the political arena. When Biden became Vice President, we welcomed numerous Secret Service agents into our establishment, serving them both take-out and dine-in. We quickly learned to recognize them by their outstanding manners—always polite, gracious, and appreciative. We also had the chance to connect with individuals who facilitated our visits to the airplane tarmac, tours of the White House, and even our participation in the annual Easter Egg Roll. President Biden made a promise to reciprocate our hospitality should we ever visit the Capitol, and his staff ensured that promise was kept.
A successful year-round restaurant in Nantucket relies heavily on fostering strong relationships within the community. Customers who feel appreciated and safe are more likely to return, bringing their families and friends to celebrate milestones such as birthdays and weddings. Authenticity and kindness are vital to good business—principles that resonate in the political sphere as well. Since our initial connection with the Bidens, we’ve received annual requests for Thanksgiving take-out dinners. One particularly memorable call came from Dr. Jill Biden during the Iowa Caucuses, informing us that they wouldn’t be able to make it to Nantucket that year. After he became President, we had to remind ourselves to refer to him as “Mr. President,” because to us, he has always been simply “Joe.” Each year, we receive a handwritten note or signed photo, reminding us that despite his position in the White House, he remains the same person we’ve known for years.
Moreover, we’ve learned to appreciate that Biden’s authenticity—often interpreted as gaffes when he deviates from a script or engages in light-hearted exchanges—reflects his true nature. The consistency we’ve observed in our private conversations aligns with the genuine persona he presents to the public. Whether he’s passionately advocating for a policy in front of world leaders or posing for photos with our staff, the same warmth and commitment to helping others shines through.
Ultimately, the takeaway here is that politics need not be a battleground; it can instead center on personal connections and community-building. As President Biden prepares to depart from the White House, we recognize that, for us, his legacy will be centered on the significance of nurturing meaningful relationships.
We do not align with any political party. However, our unique position has granted us a rare glimpse into the highest political office in the nation. Through this journey, we have developed a deeper respect for the office and a genuine appreciation for the individuals who lead our government and their ability to show kindness to everyday people like us.
