Meet the New Owner of Herb's Tavern

One of Rocky River’s venerable eating and drinking establishments recently changed ownership after celebrating its 50th anniversary in business. Herb’s Tavern at 19925 Detroit Road is now owned by Kim Berry, who bought the business earlier this year.

Berry is the daughter of Herb and Bobbie Brugh who opened the business in April of 1963. “We lived upstairs over the Tavern for the first eight years of my life”, Berry said.

In the early days at the Tavern, Herb would bartend downstairs while Bobbie was upstairs taking care of the family. “Dad would ring a bell when customers ordered food and mom would come down and cook it. It wasn't until 1971 that they could afford to hire a cook and mom didn't have to cook anymore”, Berry said.

Berry has many fond memories of growing up in the family business. “If the walls could talk…everyone loves Herb's and my parents. But everyone's story of why they love Herb's is different.” Berry is having cards created to place on the tables so that customers can write down their stories of why they love Herb's. These stories will then be posted on Herb’s Tavern Facebook page.

In 2012 Berry’s parents asked her to run Herb's. She had a corporate job that she enjoyed but started helping from behind the scenes. Then her parents both suffered health problems. “In January, while on a business trip, I had a big decision to make - should I sell Herb's or keep it. My parents had given their blessings for either choice. I decided to quit my job and keep Herb's.”

A Return to Quality

When Berry took over, a lot of work needed to be done. “My parents’ standards were very high for food quality, cleanliness and customer service. I had no choice but to start with a new staff. In May, Herb’s closed for three days to clean and train new staff." Many customers left, claiming that Berry was changing everything - from rewriting the menu to knocking down the walls.

“It's been six months. All I did was what my parents would want, which was to bring the Tavern's customer service and food and drink quality up to the level that they had provided for many years.” These are all things that customers expect from Herb's, according to the new owner.

A major improvement that Berry has made is in the quality of the Tavern’s signature item, the Herb Burger. “We now have our burgers made fresh and shipped to us, which makes a huge difference. The Herb Burger comes in three sizes and it's my dad's recipe of 51 years.” 

Berry buys as many local products as she can and, when possible, also buys from Cleveland’s West Side Market. She uses independent distributors because Herb’s is also an independent business. The independent wine distributors have connections with vineyards in Italy and California. “There's always a story with independents and I love that!”, she stated.

The Tavern has bourbon tasting, cigar smokes, wine tastings and other events, which she promotes on the Herb’s Facebook page. The business is known for its weekend Bloody Mary breakfasts, three egg omelets, and sausage links. Berry believes Herb’s offers a big, fresh breakfast for a great price on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We serve great coffee now that is blended by a local independent company. Coffee is important because it's the first and the last thing you taste.” She believes Herb's weekend breakfast is one of the best kept secrets in the area.

New & Old Customers

Berry realized many customers would leave given the changes. However, she also knew that Herb's would not survive if she did not make improvements. “Failure to me is not trying. We are doing well and people still love us. Some of the old customers are slowly coming back and it's great!” She said the business has also acquired many new customers. For the first time, Herb's is not only drawing the younger crowd but also people ages 55 and above.

Today young families walking their children in jogging strollers stop in for a burger and drinks. The outdoor patio is a main attraction for people passing on the street as well as for people watchers. Some come to Herb’s because of the radio advertising or word of mouth now that things are much better, according to Berry.

“Our food is high quality. We strive to make guests’ experiences one they will be glad to repeat and tell their friends about. We aren't perfect, but we sincerely still enjoy our craft. I think there is great energy at Herb's.”

A Final Wish

Berry’s one wish would be for her father to see the improvements and talk to the young families and customers coming in for the first time. I know our customers would enjoy hearing his stories about the Tavern.

Herb’s new proprietor said she feels very blessed and loves being back in the business. “I love coming to work every day and talking with our customers. I want to continue Herb's for another 50 years.”

Perry Haan

Dr. Perry Haan is Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and former Dean of the Business School at Tiffin University. Haan resides in Rocky River and can be reached at 419.618.2867 or haanpc@tiffin.edu.

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 4:13 PM, 11.11.2014