SHREWSBURY – The Ground Round returns to Massachusetts in January. An old Chinese restaurant, along Route 9 in Shrewsbury, is currently being renovated to take customers back in time to one of Massachusetts’ most beloved restaurant chains, but with a modern twist.
The restaurant chain was founded in Massachusetts in 1969 before filing for bankruptcy in 2004. Known for its peanut-covered floors and pay-as-you-weigh system, the company had remained operational with locations in North Dakota and Ohio.
Joe and Nachi Shea live in Shrewsbury and had been eyeing the business for years.
“This part of Shrewsbury had an iconic location. The brand is iconic and classic, and people were constantly talking about how much they missed it,” said Joe Shea. “We were there all the time. It was the place to go after practice, or after games, or on the weekend with your family. It was the place for the whole family.”
Four locations in Midwest
The Sheas purchased the rights and trademarks of The Ground Round. They own the building and the four locations in the Midwest. Their goal was always to bring the company to Massachusetts.
“It feels really good to know that you can dream something and things can happen,” Shea said. “If you keep your ear to the ground, work hard and be a good person, things will come back around.”
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“There’s a lot of pressure because everyone has fond memories of this place,” says Nachi Shea. “I don’t know about you, but memories are very personal.”
“I will definitely bring back popcorn”
The couple said they are feeling the pressure and are doing their best to create nostalgic notes as they bring the brand into the 2020s. The Shea’s say the menu will feature classics and a few newer items.
The company, famous for its peanuts, began to shy away from them in the early 2000s as regulations around allergies tightened.
“But we will definitely bring back popcorn,” Nachi said. “That’s not a problem. I’m sure we’ll vacuum more than we want, but that’s okay. That’s part of the experience.”
