The Freight House

Eat, Drink and Have fun at Doylestown’s The Freight House
By Brenda Lange

Since opening five years ago, The Freight House has evolved into more than simply a place to share an excellent meal or an after-work cocktail. The place for big city dining in the heart of Doylestown has become a full-fledged member of the Doylestown family.

The Freight House exudes elegance and charm from the high ceilings with exposed duct work, interior whitewashed brick walls, spinning paddle fans, antique lighting fixtures, original artwork, to the long, plush burgundy leather banquet that curves through the main dining room.

The restaurant sits at the end of the R5 Septa line from Philadelphia, symbolizing the last stop—the only stop for some customers who dine there frequently.

“We have regulars who come from as far away as Princeton and Philadelphia,” says Pam Northrop-Gundlach, one of the establishment’s eight owners.  “People come here and love it and seem to take ownership. There is a mystique about us, yet so many people feel as if we’re family.”

In 1995, the restaurant investors joined Septa and Doylestown Borough to revitalize the dilapidated building, following the guidelines of the Historical Architectural Review Board. A fully operational freight house in its prime, the building had sat empty for about 50 years, and easily could have been razed for a new bank or convenience store.

Instead, the partners worked with the architectural firm of Stampfl Hartke to recreate the building to its glory days. Painstaking attention to detail was given to retain the original lines of the building, which angle back and away from the tracks, simulating an incoming train.

“Our whole goal was to maintain the building’s architectural integrity while incorporating a hip, cosmopolitan atmosphere to rival any big city restaurant,” Northrop-Gundlach says. “It was also important to design the proposed improvements so they never adversely affected the neighborhood. Being a good neighbor has always been important to us.”

Recognizing that the staff, food and music needed to be as top-notch as the structure and ambiance, the partners brought in executive chef Bill Finnegan, a Culinary Institute of America graduate most recently from Chicago’s Signature Room, who uses continental influences to create a new twist on time-honored classics. In charge of the day-to-day function of the restaurant and its staff of 60 is Matt Rafferty, general manager, who formerly worked for Pod and Tangerine restaurants in Philadelphia and DelFrescos of New York City.

“All of us (the eight partners) live and work in this community, and we know what people want,” explains Northrop-Gundlach. “We’ve created an atmosphere that is creative and fun and offers a sense of camaraderie and community. People crave other people, and we’ve given them a way to be around others in an invigorating, special way.”

Theme nights came from staff brainstorming sessions and customers’ suggestions. “We ask ourselves how we can treat our guests well and how can we do something new and fresh with a different vibe that everyone will love,” she adds.

Summer theme nights begin with Sunday Classic Music.  In keeping with the light and entertaining atmosphere at the Freight House, friends can relax to the soothing sounds of classic musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. “We’ll also be offering our Freight House Sampler, a tiered plate of appetizers from the lounge menu,” says Rafferty. “These aren’t just any finger foods, we’re putting out mini crab cakes and shrimp and more.”

Monday nights are Concert Nights when concert-documentaries of some of the best musical artists of our time will be shown: Eric Clapton, U2, Bon Jovi, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and many others. Two showings start at 7 p.m.  Contests and give-aways and special food and drink creations honoring the artists will add to the party atmosphere, culminating in a week-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock in mid August.

“In honor of Led Zeppelin, we might have a tangerine martini, for example, in honor of their song “Tangerine,” says Rafferty. “Or since Clapton was a member of (the band) Cream, we might create a new cream-based drink.”

Tuesdays will become Tuesday Twenty, where wine purchased by the bottle will cost 20 percent less than the other six nights of the week, together with entrée specials to match the featured wine. “If you come in on Friday and try a great new wine with dinner, you can come back on Tuesday and get a bottle of that wine for less. It’s a great value,” says Rafferty.

Wednesday nights will showcase some exciting local musical talent, including Keith Garner, a pianist and vocalist already known and enjoyed by Freight House patrons. Nancy Micciulla, known around the tri-state area for her powerful, soulful singing and guitar playing, will perform other Wednesdays. Occasionally, the two will pair for special treats.

“We have the opportunity here to offer a lot that others don’t have the chance to,” Northrop-Gundlach adds. “We want you to leave your worries at the doorstep, join friends and make new ones and enjoy quality food and drink with fabulous customer service.”

The Freight House is located at 194 W. Ashland Street in Doylestown. For more information, visit www.thefreighthouse.net or call (215) 340-1003.

Brenda Lange is a Doylestown-based freelance writer (www.brendalange.com).