After 23 years running Brady’s American Grill, former owner Barry York said, “It’s been a great run, Peterborough people are awesome and have supported me through this. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better transition.”

On Jan. 1, York officially passed the torch to Peter Cummings and Eliza Allen, the new owners of Brady’s American Grill and current owners of Aesop’s Tables & Events.

For more than two decades, Brady’s American Grill has been a staple restaurant in Peterborough, serving thousands of local workers and their families in the Monadnock region. For some locals, Brady’s was the place to watch history being made for New England sports, including the Boston Red Sox’s World Series wins and the Patriots’ Super Bowl wins.

For others, Brady’s was known for having the best appetizers around like the chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. But to York, Brady’s American Grill was more than a restaurant; it was home and the customers were his family.

“In the last couple of weeks, I’ve never hugged so many people in my life,” said York. “This place has always been about relationships and friendships.”

Amid high emotions from loyal customers, York said he feels content with his decision to pass Brady’s onto his longtime friends Cummings and Allen.

“It’s nice, but not bitter,” said York. “I’ve worked 80 to 90 hours a week for 20 years; it was time to be done.”

As Brady’s transitions to new ownership, Cummings said his future plans involve keeping York’s legacy alive for years to come. 

“I don’t think there’s going to be major changes,” said Cummings. “We still want [Brady’s] to be a staple in the community.”

With her background of vegetarian and vegan cuisine at Aesop’s Tables and Events, Allen said the one of the only changes she is looking to make is adding her own twist to the menu. 

“I definitely want to experiment with the menu and the plan is keep everyone on board,” said Allen.

With the papers finalized, York said he looks forward to spending his free time pursuing a lifelong goal of seeing America’s most-beloved stadiums and ballparks with his friends.

“I’m going to travel to sporting events all over the country,” said York.

Brady’s American Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m.

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