Great Aunt Betty Jones
About nine months before Aunt Betty's Kitchen opened, I was looking at some old photographs of Greenwich scenes and local people of times past with George Arnold, who is the retired long-time proprietor of Arnold's Store, which is the current location of Aunt Betty's Kitchen. I noticed that many photos were marked "From the Album of Aunt Betty Jones." I asked George who Aunt Betty was, and he told me that she was my husband, Cliff's, great-aunt. She was a beloved member of the Greenwich community and was affectionately called "Aunt Betty" by many of the townsfolk because of her gentle demeanor, hospitality and famously delicious baked goods. She loved to cook and sew! She even worked in the store before it became Arnold's!
Since I am also an Aunt Betty (who coincidentally loves to cook and sew!), and I have an Aunt Betty, I thought that might be a wonderful name for the soon to be store. When I told Cliff about the possible name, he thought it was a great idea. And so, Aunt Betty's Kitchen became the name for an idea that had been baking in the oven for a long time! I've always loved to cook and share good food with family and friends. I enjoy researching recipes, experimenting with foods from different cultures and just plain old fashioned baking! I always thought it would be great fun to have a small café to share some of my creations.
Since I am also an Aunt Betty (who coincidentally loves to cook and sew!), and I have an Aunt Betty, I thought that might be a wonderful name for the soon to be store. When I told Cliff about the possible name, he thought it was a great idea. And so, Aunt Betty's Kitchen became the name for an idea that had been baking in the oven for a long time! I've always loved to cook and share good food with family and friends. I enjoy researching recipes, experimenting with foods from different cultures and just plain old fashioned baking! I always thought it would be great fun to have a small café to share some of my creations.
Aunt Betty and Uncle Russ Jones
When Cliff and I bought the quaint, 1850's building that includes the store, town Post Office and an apartment, it was with the intent that sometime down the road, perhaps, when we were retired, we would consider opening that small café. As you know, things just don't always happen as we plan! We got to a point that we had to decide if we were going to sell the building or try and put that café on the map! It was and remains important to us that Greenwich have a local gathering spot - a place to share happy times with each other and to introduce our wonderful, special town to visitors. We wanted a place where kids could come in and find candy, much as they did when Mr. Arnold had the store, a place where the coffee flowed and people visited with each other and laughter filled the room. And so, with much prayer, we began working on our special project. It was the beginning of a labor-intensive, stressful, yet exciting time. After much painting, repairs and upgrades we were able to open Aunt Betty's Kitchen on September 3, 2013.
Betty and Cliff Jones
AKA Aunt Betty and Uncle Cliff
We are thrilled to be able to provide a local gathering spot where one can enjoy good food and good company. We would like our guests to feel as welcome and as comfortable as though they were sitting around their families' kitchen tables.
Welcome to Aunt Betty's Kitchen, where we treat you like family (in a good way!)!
Welcome to Aunt Betty's Kitchen, where we treat you like family (in a good way!)!
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1