A fresh approach to comfort food

BERLIN HEIGHTS — With their new restaurant, Adam's on Main, two men both believe in one primary ingredient absolutely necessary to succeed. "You have to be about community," co-owner Adam Zadell said. "Community outreach is everything," he added. "You have to get to know your customers. You have to be consistent with them in what you serve and how you treat them. You have to have good communication with them. And you have to deliver a good, quality product to them." Adam along with fellow co-owner Bradley Paller recently opened their diner, 12 E. Main St. smack-dab in Berlin Heights' central corridor beside the library and post office not far from Edison Middle School. "It's like Mayberry here," said Bradley, a real estate agent whose background comes in sales and management. "We decided to take this venture together." Adam, meanwhile, considers himself a near-lifer in the food industry, working in various restaurants in the local area. "I got to know the communities we serve, and it drew me in to truly appreciating people," Adam said. "And I've always enjoyed this area. We saw an opportunity with this business, and it happened." Honoring the past Previously Main Street Cafe, with a brief stint as Mazie's Main Street Cafe, both Adam and Bradley made some cosmetic touch-ups to areas but kept this local landmark's look largely intact. They borrowed some pictures from the Berlin Heights Historical Society, highlighting memorable village moments that should spark memories for some locals, positioned by booths. They also reused light fixtures Main Street Cafe used during its 20-year stint in business. Some other features, including an original tin ceiling left from when this storefront operated as a pharmacy several decades ago, remain. "We like that local flare of art, keeping with that nostalgic theme," Adam said. Four new pictures of key individuals pay homage to the pair's families: • Josephine West —Adam's grandmother • Linda Paller — Bradley's mother • Mary Zadell — Adam's grandmother, who owned the former Frankies Bar in Milan • Kimberly Zadell — Adam's mom "All of those ladies, they taught us how to cook," Adam said. People overall seem comfortable when dining in this legacy building. "A lot say it's warm, inviting, and even a few say that they are at home," Bradley said. "That's the atmosphere we want here." What's on the menu? Adam described their restaurant as "a fresh approach to comfort food." He explained. "People want good, homemade food, and we are offering that at a reasonable price," Adam said. "Everything is made from scratch, daily, and we try to make sure everything is quality. Right now, it's a small menu, but everything on it is good." Among the more popular appetizing options: hamburgers with hand-cooked fries, Reuben sandwiches, chicken salad croissants, various salads and pies. Additionally, it offers daily blue plate specials. There's a different meal offered depending on the day. For instance, right now, people can order cream chicken over biscuits on Tuesdays and cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes on Thursdays. The two create dishes by purchasing as many local products, such as produce and meats, as possible. They're also collaborating with area orchards to incorporate the freshest ingredients in their meals. "Our menu will evolve," said Bradley, noting he and Adam want to add breakfast items soon. Both encourage people to visit the restaurant, open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. "We want to thank everyone so far who has supported us, and we welcome others to stop by," Adam said. "We are so thankful and love being here. This is truly a dream job." What's in a name? Here's an explanation of the meaning behind Adam's on Main's name: • Adam — for co-owner Adam Zadell • On Main — for the location of the restaurant on Main Street in Berlin Heights