The History of Bean Restaurant Group
Our story begins with Johnny and Linda Yee. These newlyweds were in the restaurant business in Boston, but dreamed of creating a restaurant that would be different. Something more exciting and exotic than the typical oriental restaurant. It was through Johnny Yee's inspiration to create a restaurant that brought the romance and excitement of the Pacific Islands to New England that Hu Ke Lau was born.
After an extensive search for the right location, they selected a small building in Chicopee, MA. Because of its proximity to Interstate 90 (The Mass Pike) and Interstate 91 could rightfully be called the “Crossroads of New England”. In April of 1965, Johnny and Linda opened the iconic Hu Ke Lau, a 150-seat restaurant serving Cantonese and Polynesian Cuisine and featuring the area’s first Polynesian Floor shows.
"Hu Ke Lau" is Hawaiian for “fishing party”, and it was their hope that guests would have as much fun dining at Hu Ke Lau as Hawaiians have during their fun-filled fishing parties. The concept was a success and as a result Hu Ke Lau expanded throughout the years to include a variety of private rooms as well as a 450-seat showroom which presented a variety of entertainment from concerts to comedy as well as classic Polynesian shows.
As they grew their business, Johnny and Linda also grew their family. The pair raised four children who were - and remain - integral members of the family business. Their children - Andrew, Edison, Anita, and Nicholas - grew up at the Hu Ke Lau along with their aunt, Bonnie. Being raised in an atmosphere where hard work and determination were the key to success, this quintet of family members decided to use their talents to expand and grow into a thriving restaurant group.
They named the group Bean Restaurant Group - B for Bonnie, E for Edison, A for Andrew and Anita, and N for Nicholas. Their first venture outside Hu Ke Lau was to acquire the beloved South Hadley watering hole The Halfway House. The Yee family purchased The Halfway House in 2002 and continues to operate the cozy local pub.
After this success, they decided to open a new restaurant in their hometown of South Hadley. Named in honor of Johnny Yee, Johnny’s Bar & Grille opened its doors in 2006. Johnny’s Bar & Grille is a staple in the South Hadley Village Commons and serves up classic American pub cuisine.
The group continued to expand in 2011 when it opened the Amherst hot spot Johnny’s Tavern, where, under the direction of Culinary Director and Partner Chef Bryan Graham, the polished casual cuisine and atmosphere continues to delight locals and tourists alike.
After this venture they opened Johnny’s Tap Room, an extension of Johnny’s Bar & Grille also located in the South Hadley Commons. This bar and event space is a favorite in the community and can host private parties while also serving up fun with an impressive central bar that locals adore.
The next feather in the cap of the brand is IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen, also located in the vibrant South Hadley Commons. A stone’s throw from the local theater, IYA has been a runaway success where students, locals, and tourists alike gather to dine on the area’s finest sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and ramen. A second IYA was launched in Amherst, MA, in 2019.
The Yee Family’s next challenge would present itself in the form of the iconic Student Prince and The Fort, nicknamed “The Fort” by locals. A New England icon often referred to as a “bucket list” experience because of its unique appeal, the German restaurant was in peril of closing its doors when the Yee Family stepped in and saved it in 2014. The Fort is truly a one-of-a-kind destination restaurant with deep ties to the community.
The group continued to grow in 2015 when they purchased a charming local diner in Hadley, MA, located just down the road from UMASS Amherst on Route 9. Johnny’s Roadside Diner continues to cement their father’s legacy, serving up farm fresh eggs alongside the classic diner favorites you know and love, all made from scratch.
In 2017, Bean Restaurant Group jumped in to The Big E, New England's biggest and most celebrated state fair, with Wurst Haus, a spin-off of The Student Prince. Located in West Springfield, MA, Wurst Haus serves 18" bratwursts, pretzels the size of your head, and giant boots of beer in a commemorative mug. Providing the singular service the group is known for in a fun fair environment, Wurst Haus is the smash hit of the fair!
The largest acquisition to date was made in 2018, when Bean Restaurant Group purchased McLadden Restaurant Group, expanding into Connecticut and adding three Irish pubs to the portfolio along with a fourth restaurant rebranded as Union Kitchen. One of West Hartford Center’s most beloved spots, Union Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant with Chef Tim East & General Manager (and our resident sommelier) Vishwas Badimi at the helm. The Northampton, MA, pub was rebranded as a second Wurst Haus in 2020. The West Hartford location rebranded as the third Wurst Haus location in 2021. The Simsbury, CT location is currently undergoing its transformation into a new concept slated for 2023.
2018 also saw the Bean Restaurant Group enter into a partnership with the Rondeau Family to manage The Boathouse (formerly Dockside). Serving classic New England sea fare, The Boathouse is Western Massachusetts' premier destination for full service dining alongside the beautiful Connecticut River. The property also includes an Event Tent, providing the perfect location for weddings, parties, and other special occasions.
Early 2020 saw the acquisition of another iconic property when the Yee Family purchased White Hut in West Springfield. A local favorite since 1939, White Hut offers classic hamburgs, cheeseburgs, hot dogs, and breakfast in a quick and easy dine-in setting and at our food truck.
Bean Restaurant Group now boasts fifteen restaurants and employs over 400, yet the Yee family has never lost sight of what truly matters. They still bring the same sense of hospitality, happiness, and that welcoming Hawaiian spirit to all of their guests and team members. Theirs is truly a tale of the American Dream.
