Mt. View opens for first season under new ownership

April 2, 2020 | Sarah Heinonen
sarah@thereminder.com

Mt. View Restaurant in Hampden.
Reminder Publishing file photo.

HAMPDEN – With the current economic climate, in which many people are facing financial hardship and eateries have been ordered to close their dining rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now may seem like an inopportune time to open a restaurant. However, Lindsay Pelloso, co-owner of the seasonal Mountain View Restaurant, said, “Considering everything, business has been okay.”

Mountain View has been an institution in Hampden for generations. The drive-in style restaurant sells burgers and hot dogs, grinders and sandwiches, seafood and salads.

Pelloso and her parents, Billy and Linda Bond, purchased the restaurant in September 2019 and opened for the season on March 18. Pelloso admitted the restaurant is taking a hit.

“All small businesses are,” Pelloso said. “Maybe us a little more since we just bought it. Putting in a new kitchen and not being able to open the dining room, it’s been tough.” On rainy days, she said, people usually use now temporarily-closed the dining room.

Even though Pelloso said takeout is a major part of the business, she said social distancing restrictions and the governor’s stay-at-home advisory have made it “harder to get ice cream with your friends.” Mountain View has had to cut back on its staff, she said.
Pelloso is hopeful though that the restaurant, which is still running on a full menu and has even added a limited breakfast menu, will bring in die-hard patrons who have grown up with the restaurant.

 “There's a lot of people, customers that have been coming here for years. We’re letting them know it’s the same place, so they’re comfortable,” Pelloso said.

Mountain View Restaurant is located at 25 Allen St. and can be reached at 566–5376 for current hours.

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