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KEARSARGE - The Hut-Inn restaurant has gone through four owners since it was built by Paul Hendrickson in 1952 right next to U.S. 41, and the most recent owner is working to continue the tradition of family-oriented fare.

John Gervais said he bought the Hut-Inn from the most recent owner in June 2008, who didn't want to see it closed forever.

"He felt it needed to be open because it is a local landmark," Gervais said.

After purchasing the restaurant, Gervais said he cleaned up the building and created a new menu, which isn't completed yet.

"We're still evolving," he said.

The menu includes ribs, steaks, chicken, turkey and burgers, including the Hut Burger, which is a pound of finely-ground beef, and was created by Hendrickson. The restaurant also serves Pasty Central pasties.

Gervais said the customers seem to enjoy the menu.

"It works out really well," he said.

There are also daily specials, Gervais said.

"We leave it up to the chef on duty," he said.

The chef will also make customer-request meals not on the menu, Gervais said.

Various items are featured certain days of the week, Gervais said, including fish on Friday, barbecue ribs on Saturday, and roast beef on Sunday.

There are about 25 staff people at the restaurant, Gervais said, and many customers know them by name.

Gervais said he's pleased with the progress of the Hut-Inn since he bought it.

"I'm really happy it's going well, and the people have supported the Hut," he said.

Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@ mininggazette.com.