Stacey and Keith Pierson celebrated one year of ownership of Betty’s Restaurant on Saturday. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN–After working at Betty’s Restaurant, located at 112 East German Street, for eight years, it was not too difficult a decision for Stacey Pierson, along with her husband, Keith, to make the move a year ago to purchase the restaurant when the opportunity arose.

Now the couple is celebrating one year as the owners and wouldn’t want a do-over for anything.

“I’m a local girl. I grew up here,” said Stacey as she shared stories of eating in the restaurant for years, even before working there. For most folks who have been around Shepherdstown long, Betty’s is an iconic place filled with memories as well as a venue that provides a great meal.

Originally opened by Betty Osbourn in 1959, the eatery was under her leadership for over 42 years before her health would not allow her to continue. Upon her retirement, she sold the business to Regina and Howard Wines in 2001. Regina’s daughter, Heather Renaud, managed the eatery until her untimely death in 2014.

As things change, it is important sometimes to help them remain the same, so when, last year, the business came up for sale, the Piersons decided it was time to put Stacey’s knowledge of helping with the business and Keith’s maintenance experience to use and take the leap of faith.

The staff at Betty’s Restaurant welcomed customers Saturday as they celebrated the one-year anniversary of Stacey and Keith Pierson’s ownership of the Shepherdstown eatery. From the front are Stacey Pierson, Olivia Foster, Tammy Carr, Melinda Pine, Krystal Fallin and Jeremy Kifer. Toni Milbourne

The couple signed the contract June 1, 2023 — the same day they celebrated their 10-year anniversary.

“Stacey knew how it ran – I’m in maintenance and she has the customer service and food experience so we took the step,” Keith said.

Since the couple took over the restaurant last year, there haven’t been a lot of changes made–mainly because the townsfolk like it just the way it is. The couple has replaced some flooring, but the booths and counter stools remain the same, as does much of the decor lining the walls.

“The place has a lot of history,” Stacey said as she shared stories of regular customers who had their special seating, along with stories of university students who make their way into the diner for some home-cooked food.

“There are a lot more memories to be made here,” Stacey said. “We have a lot of the same customers every day and all of us love the hometown atmosphere,” she added. “We want to continue to provide that traditional hometown service customers are used to as well as showing that to those who come through the door for the first time,” she continued.

Along with Stacey’s own knowledge of the business, she said that her staff has been instrumental in helping the diner continue to thrive.

“Everyone works hard while making the customers feel welcome and appreciated,” Stacey said, adding that it is difficult for her to let those who help maintain Betty’s traditions know how much they mean to her and to the business.

Their dedication and enjoyment of their jobs is easily witnessed as they banter with customers as they pour the next cup of coffee or jot down an order for one of the house specialties such as the infamous Ram’s Skillet, a favorite among the college crowd. A steady flow of conversation can be heard which has proven successful in continuing the tradition of drawing folks back in that was established at the beginning by the restaurant’s namesake.

While Keith, who works for Ranson’s Public Works Department, was occupied at the Ranson Festival and Car Show on Saturday, Stacey’s smiling face was found at the counter, in the kitchen and serving her customers while also offering a chance at some prizes in honor of the one-year anniversary of their ownership.

“We have taken the reins and have stayed steady,” Keith said as he and Stacey shared that their love of the diner and of the town they call now call home.

“We plan to continue the traditions started so many years ago and continue to provide the best service possible to those in our community and those who visit us from elsewhere,” Stacey said.