Back in 1997, my family and I took a bold step and acquired a restaurant and sports bar on the picturesque Nantucket Island. We decided to name it after our cherished pet pig, Pudley, hoping to establish a warm and inviting place for the community where everyone could gather to support the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. While many see Nantucket as a retreat for the affluent and famous, we were attracted to its authentic spirit, where locals uplift one another and create a sense of belonging. Although the prospect of running a restaurant initially felt daunting, the encouragement we received from island friends helped us navigate the complexities of securing funding. As restaurant owners, we have dedicated ourselves to treating every customer with respect and kindness, whether they’re construction workers, CEOs, or even the President of the United States.
Our connection with the Biden family began just a year after we opened our doors, when we received a request to prepare a Thanksgiving take-out dinner. This marked the start of a relationship that has taken us to the Oval Office, the West Wing, and even allowed us to stand on the tarmac with Air Force One. Over the years, we’ve witnessed Joe Biden’s journey from Senator to Vice President and now President. While security protocols have become stricter and requests for media interviews have increased, one thing has remained unchanged: our bond with a down-to-earth family man whose warmth and kindness light up the room. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in a political landscape often marked by division, personal relationships can transcend those barriers.
Joe Biden exemplifies the principle of valuing tradition over status, a guiding force throughout his political career. The Biden family has been celebrating Thanksgiving on Nantucket since 1975, becoming a cherished part of the island community, which is largely composed of blue-collar locals in November. The President has even engaged in local events such as the Cold Turkey Plunge, raising funds for the community library. We’ve played a role in these festive occasions, preparing traditional dishes like turkey and stuffing, and even accommodating requests for lobster. Senator Biden quickly became a valued patron, and our connection deepened further when he became Vice President. One memorable year, he surprised us by entering through the back door to present us with a keepsake—a hat featuring the vice-presidential seal—just as local fishermen would bring in their latest catch. Our straightforward, homemade cooking may not have garnered prestige, but it cultivated a sense of dependability and connection to the often-overlooked community.
Read more: Read Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation that Established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
As restaurant owners, we understand the vital role our dedicated staff plays in our success. From servers to cooks to dishwashers, every team member is essential, and our operations hinge on their contributions. This truth resonates in the political arena as well. Once Biden took office as Vice President, we welcomed many Secret Service agents into our establishment, serving them both take-out and dine-in meals. We quickly learned to recognize them by their impeccable manners—always courteous, gracious, and appreciative. We also forged connections with those who facilitated our visits to the airplane tarmac, tours of the White House, and even our participation in the annual Easter Egg roll. President Biden made a promise to reciprocate our hospitality if we ever visited the Capitol, and his staff ensured that promise was kept.
A successful year-round restaurant in Nantucket relies on fostering strong community relationships. Customers who feel valued and secure are more inclined to return, bringing along their friends and loved ones for celebrations, birthdays, and weddings. Authenticity and kindness are crucial to good business—principles that also resonate in the world of politics. Since our initial link with the Bidens, we’ve received annual requests for Thanksgiving take-out dinners. One particularly memorable call came from Dr. Jill Biden during the Iowa Caucuses, letting us know they wouldn’t be able to join us in Nantucket that year. After he became President, we had to remind ourselves to refer to him as “Mr. President,” because to us, he had always been simply “Joe.” Each year, we receive a handwritten note or signed photo, a reminder that despite his new residence in the White House, he remains the same person we’ve known for years.
Moreover, we’ve come to recognize that Biden’s authenticity—often interpreted as gaffes when he deviates from a script or engages in lighthearted banter—reflects his true character. The consistency we’ve witnessed in our private conversations mirrors the genuine persona he displays publicly. Whether he is 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 key takeaway is that politics need not be a battleground; rather, it can center on personal connections and community-building. As President Biden prepares to leave the White House, we recognize that, for us, his legacy will emphasize the importance of forging meaningful relationships.
We do not align with any particular political party. However, our experiences have provided us with a unique perspective into the highest political office in the nation. Through this journey, we have developed a deeper respect for the office and an appreciation for the individuals who lead our government and their capacity for kindness toward everyday people like us.
