Pines celebrates 25 years

WASSAIC — Even in tough economic times, there are reasons to be thankful. Andrea Dutcher and Cathy Pascucci, the owners of The Pines Restaurant, are celebrating 25 years in business on March 1.

Dutcher and Pascucci, who are sisters, took over the restaurant in 1984. The restaurant is estimated to have been around since the early 1940s, and has been operated by three different sets of owners.

While The Pines features Italian-American cooking, the owners, who are both self-taught cooks, said their specials dabble in all sorts of ethnic food, including Chinese, Thai, French and Mexican.

"You never know what you’re going to find here," Pascucci said.

The sisters said owning the restaurant, which is located on Route 22, for so many years has given them the opportunity to meet a lot of people who they now call family.

"There are people who have been coming since we opened," Pascucci said. "We’re thankful to have such a loyal customer base."

The Pines has been host to a variety of events over the years, from bands to DJs to outdoor barbecues. However, the main focus has always been the same, Dutcher pointed out: "to continue to give good, quality food at reasonable prices."

And with prices in mind, the sisters have a special treat planned to celebrate 25 years in business. From March 4 to March 8, The Pines Restaurant will roll back the prices on the specials board to what they were in 1984, when the sisters took over. For example, veal parmesan, which is currently $19.95, will be $8.95.

The times have changed, both owners acknowledged. Over the years the restaurant has been through many improvements, and while the loyal locals remain, Pascucci said there have been more transit customers stopping in for a bite to eat on their way through town.

Business has been good, according to the sisters, who thanked their customers, friends and their parents for supporting them. They also thanked the last owner, who held the mortgage for the sisters when they first started out.

"We were a couple of teenagers back then," Pascucci said, laughing. "Look at us now."