In 1997, my family and I took a leap of faith and purchased a restaurant and sports bar on the charming Nantucket Island. We chose to name it after our beloved pet pig, Pudley, with the hope of creating a welcoming spot for the community, where everyone could gather to cheer for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. While many view Nantucket as a getaway for the wealthy and famous, we were drawn to its genuine spirit—where locals support each other and foster a sense of belonging. Although the idea of running a restaurant felt intimidating at first, the encouragement from friends on the island helped us navigate the process of securing funding. As restaurant owners, we have committed ourselves to treating all our customers with respect and kindness, regardless of whether they’re construction workers or CEOs—or even the President of the United States.
Our relationship with the Biden family began a mere year after we opened our doors, when we received a call asking us to prepare a take-out Thanksgiving dinner. Thus began a connection that has seen us venture into the Oval Office, the West Wing, and even stand on the tarmac with Air Force One. Over the years, we’ve witnessed Joe Biden’s evolution from Senator to Vice President and now to President. While security measures have tightened and requests for media interviews have surged, one constant has remained: our bond with a humble family man whose warmth and kindness fill the room. This serves as a poignant reminder that while politics can often be harsh and divisive, personal relationships can bridge those chasms.
Joe Biden embodies the spirit of tradition over status, a principle that has guided him throughout his political ascent. The Biden family has been visiting Nantucket for Thanksgiving since 1975, becoming integral parts of the island community, which, in November, is predominantly made up of blue-collar locals. The President has even participated in local events like the Cold Turkey Plunge to raise funds for the community library. We’ve played a role in these celebrations, preparing classic dishes like turkey and stuffing, and even adding lobster upon request. Senator Biden became a cherished customer, and that connection only deepened when he assumed the Vice Presidency. One memorable year, he surprised us by walking through the back door to gift us a memento—a hat adorned with the vice-presidential seal—much like local fishermen would bring in their fresh catch. Our straightforward, homestyle cooking may not have brought prestige, but it fostered a sense of reliability and connection to the often-overlooked community.
Read more: Read Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation that Made Thanksgiving a National Holiday
As restaurant proprietors, we recognize the critical role our hardworking staff plays in our success. From servers to cooks to dishwashers, each team member is vital, and we couldn’t operate without them. This realization holds true in the world of politics as well. Once Biden became Vice President, we welcomed numerous Secret Service agents into our establishment, serving them through both take-out and dine-in experiences. We quickly learned to identify them by their exemplary manners—always polite, gracious, and appreciative. We also had the opportunity to connect with the people who facilitated our visits to the airplane tarmac, tours of the White House, and even participation in the annual Easter Egg roll. President Biden made a promise to return our hospitality if we ever visited the Capitol, and his staff ensured that promise was fulfilled.
A thriving year-round restaurant in Nantucket hinges on cultivating strong relationships within the community. Customers who feel valued and safe are more likely to return, bringing their children and friends along for celebrations, birthdays, and weddings. Authenticity and kindness are key to good business, principles that also resonate within political realms. Since our initial connection with the Bidens, we’ve received annual requests for Thanksgiving take-out dinners. One memorable call came from Dr. Jill Biden during the Iowa Caucuses, informing us that they wouldn’t be able to make it to Nantucket that year. After he assumed the presidency, we had to remind ourselves to refer to him as “Mr. President,” because to us, he had always simply been “Joe.” Each year, we receive a handwritten note or signed photo, reminding us that despite his residence in the White House, he remains the same person we’ve known for years.
Additionally, we’ve come to appreciate that Biden’s authenticity—often perceived as gaffes when he strays from a script or engages in light-hearted banter—reflects his true character. The consistency we’ve observed in our private conversations mirrors the genuine persona he projects publicly. Whether passionately defending a policy to world leaders or posing for photos with our staff, the same warmth and commitment to helping others shine through.
Ultimately, the lesson here is that politics need not be a battleground; it can instead focus on personal connections and community-building. As President Biden prepares to leave the White House, we recognize that, for us, the legacy he leaves behind will center on the importance of building meaningful relationships.
We don’t align with any political party. However, our role has afforded us a unique view into the most powerful political office in the country. Through this experience, we have developed a greater respect for the office and an appreciation for the individuals who lead our government and their capacity for kindness towards everyday people like us.
