40 E. Main St.
Hagerstown, Indiana 47346
Business: (765) 489-4131
Category: Restaurants
If it weren't for a twist of fate, you could be buying a hat in Hagerstown instead of sitting in one of the Midwest's finest restaurant's.
In 1946, young entrepreneur Guy "Willie" Welliver, was fresh from serving his country in WWII and eager to enter the business world. Experienced in retail clothing, he sought a suitable location to open a haberdashery in Hagerstown, The only available location was a small (not too busy) restaurant. With a small amount of family-owned money, he bought it.
Through the first year, he planned to close the restaurant and open his haberdashery. For "I knew nothing about running a restaurant," he said. After enjoying a "thrasher's dinner" at his nearby mother-in-law's home, his idea changed. He said, "She had two or three main dishes, many side dishes, salads, and desserts -plenty to eat and select from!" -An idea was born!
The next Sunday evening at his little restaurant, he offered a similar meal, calling it his Smorgasbord. Patrons immediately recognized the uniqueness, the satisfying, well-prepared food with unlimited choices -and within a few months, they lined outside the door to get in during the Sunday offering. The rest is history!
Skillet-fried chicken, chicken livers, and shrimp became regular landmarks of the excellent food always consistently and attractively prepared.
The real eye-catcher, the mound of peel-and-eat shrimp (large Texas browns), has become most popular in recent years.
Try a piece of Welliver's famous cinnamon bread, enjoy one of the many salad and desert choices, you will better understand why your wait was worthwhile!
Willie's constant personal presence and desire to serve the finest in the Midwest mark his success.
He has kept it a family owned and operated restaurant.
Visit our website at: www.wellivers.com
