County Executive P.J. Wendel and Sen. George Borrello with current owners, Bob and Sheila Bentley, along with descendants of the original Meeder’s family
RIPLEY — State Sen. George Borrello presented the New York State Historic Business award to Meeder’s Restaurant in Ripley to celebrate their incorporation into New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.
Established by legislation passed in 2020, the Historic Business Registry includes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history.
Borrello nominated Meeder’s Restaurant to the registry in 2023, in recognition of their role helping shape the history, heritage and identity of the Ripley community. The roots of Meeder’s go back to 1960 when Andy Meeder, the original owner, went to an auction at an old Sunoco gas station, intending to purchase a washing machine, but instead went home the proud owner of the station itself. The restaurant went through some expansions to adapt to its growing customer base and was led by three successive generations of the Meeder family before, in 2016, it was purchased by its current owners, Sheila and Bob Bentley.
The Bentleys have made some changes to the menu, incorporating old recipes into modern-day fare. Keeping up with the preferences of Baby Boomers and Millennials is an ongoing project. “At its core, the restaurant hasn’t changed,” said Borrello. “It is still where people go when they want homecooked meals, friendly service and their ‘world-famous’ made-from-scratch pies.” “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our downtowns and communities, and this rings especially true for Meeder’s Restaurant. Their vibrant presence not only contributes to the local economy but also adds a unique charm that enhances the character of the community. Meeder’s Restaurant exemplifies the spirit of community and dedication that small businesses bring to the table, making them an invaluable part of our collective experience.”
Borrello said Meeder’s Restaurant is the heart of the close-knit Ripley community. “It is a comfortable gathering spot where local residents can visit, discuss the issues of the day and enjoy some great ‘comfort food’,” he said.
The honorary business registry program, which provides educational and promotional assistance to help ensure businesses in the state remain viable, is coordinated through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
An interactive storyboard map, which provides information about the location and history of each business, can be found on the agency website https://parks.ny.gov/historicpreservation/business-registry/default.aspx.