Room for All

    "How Many?" the server will ask with a lively smile on her face, before she gestures, "Sit anywhere you would like" after you answer. The delectable smell of American food makes the Candlewyck an inviting place to eat. The owners, Dan and Mike Carey, have kept the same welcoming and charming pub for over 25 years.

    The bar and pub is considered a staple to the community of Buckingham, has remained there since the early 1900's. Originally as a feed mill, it slowly developed into a popular tavern. In 1997, the Carey Brothers took over the restaurant. In the pub customers have the choice to sit in the dining room, two lines of booths, or the bar. While the restaurant may seem small at first, larger parties are quick to comment, "Wow, I didn't think we would fit". The dining room houses 12 tables and a beautiful stone fireplace which hangs a large television; where you can find the popular sports games for that night. However, it may be difficult to focus on the game with the conversations of the bar, booths, and dining room combined. The booths are the traditional red booths that are everywhere in older restaurants and seem to be a favorite to most patrons; since many families and groups of four commonly ask with eagerness, "May we sit at a booth"? Since the Carey Brothers took over it's been more popular than ever, bringing new and returning customers daily.

    The main face to the restaurant, Dan Carey, takes pride and joy in the establishment. Although sometimes he wishes, "he could take a break from the craziness", he wouldn't have it any other way. He doesn't fit the look of a successful restaurant owner though, wearing athletic shorts and a random tee-shirt as his uniform. His face shows the hard work and dedication he's put into the success of the tavern. While he may seem reserved and quiet, he will talk your ear off about topics he's passionate about. His side kick to the success would be his lovely and beautiful wife, Jen. A companion to all the customers, she is part of the reason for such the homey feel. When a couple walks in, Jen immediately glides over to greet them with a delightful, "Hey, how y'all doing tonight"?

    The older couple smiled brightly at Jen as they reply with excitement, "Oh we've been great. We took the grandkids to the beach house for a couple days".

    "Oh, that sounds lovely", Jen retorts with sincere happiness. She follows her remark with, "how long have you guys owned your house"?

    The couple glances at each other and ponders. "Oh jeez, it's been so long I don't even know."  After more thought, "Probably around 20 years" they answer with a chuckle. 

    Friendly conversations with regulars are a common thing for Jen. After Jen talks to the couple for several minutes, the server comes over and greets them. Followed by, "What were you guys thinking tonight, two waters and a Yuengling"?

    The couple smiles and the husband answers with enthusiasm, "You remember".

    Jen isn't the only employee at the Candlewyck to create a personal relationship with the customers. The bartender, Brian, has created a customer base that comes just for him. He brings excitement and laughter to those at the bar. Most customers who walk to the bar cheer, "Hey Brian", and of course he replies with their name and a genuine smile across his face. Brian, a middle-aged man with a bright smile that's contagious, and a bald head he loves to joke about, acts as an attraction for those at the bar. The bar he works in is oval shaped, faux-green marble countertops, with tall wooden chairs that seat the connoisseurs' of his craft. The bar offers overs dozen craft beers, listed on two black chalkboards on the beige walls of the restaurant.

    If pleasant servers and delicious food is not enough, the restaurant has trivia night every Thursday at 7:30pm. A very popular night, that brings both new and returning customers. Triva night offers prizes for every round; which consist of music bingo and two types of trivia. Lastly, a grand prize of a 25-dollar gift card is given to the team with the most points at the end of the night. The building shakes with excitement and noise from all the eager players. A woman and her husband who are new to the establishment glance around the room, in confusion, by the speakers and lights. The woman asks her server, "What's the speaker for?"

    The server looks over to the direction the customer was pointing to and realized what she was referring to. The young server of medium height and blonde hair replied, with a sweet voice like honey, "Oh it's triva night tonight, would you like to play"?

    A look of happiness and shock grew on the middle-aged woman's face, who wore blonde hair with sprinkles of grey. She turns to her husband and asks him the same question the server had asked. He nods with satisfaction and she happily responds, "I would love to". Her reaction and reply are common among the new customers on Thursday nights.     

    

    However, some customers find Wednesdays to be more appealing. On Wednesday's it is cheesesteak night, which means nine inch cheesesteaks with house chips on the side for six-dollars and ninety-nine cents. The cheesesteaks at the Candlewyck are a fan favorite as the cheese and meat blend so well together. The secret to the deliciousness can be found in the fresh homemade rolls.

   The common feel by all within the restaurant is a welcoming environment and mouthwatering cuisine. The bosses Dan and Mike Carey give their employees a cause for being hard works, using encouragement and compassion. The employees then give customers wonderful service and a memorable experience. The restaurant is perfect for those dining, together, alone, or just want to have a good time.