It’s hard to believe American Flatbread has been around for four decades! For those of us who lived through all of it (ahem!) we’re dating ourselves for starters, but we’re also fortunate to have watched the creation and evolution of a business that has been so much more than just a business in our community.
Lucky are those who remember the awe and draw of making that weekly trek to Tucker Hill to eat that nascent flatbread outside on the patio. It was obvious early on, based on local reaction, that this was going to be a winner. And it was. It still is. For many families and visitors, it’s a must-see destination when they come to The Valley. We understand. It’s that good. It’s always been that good.
American Flatbread founders George and Girl George Schenk and their family, friends and staff are celebrating 40 years on August 14 with a typically community-focused celebration, not unlike what they’ve done since the start.
Think of the community events you’ve attended at American Flatbread. Think of the speakers, forums, celebrations, benefit bakes, Christmas tree sales, garden tours, art shows and more. How many multi-town meetings take place there? How many times do the Schenks offer up their space and their hospitality to the rest of us? The answer is a lot. Too numerous to count is a better answer.
In addition to feeding us all good food, we’ve benefitted from how George Schenk has helped bend the arc of public focus on where our food comes from and how it is grown and who is growing it and why that matters. What better evidence of that is there than his 2006-2007 legislative lobbying efforts, aided by others, who made it possible for American Flatbread to purchase chicken from his neighbor across the street, Hadley Gaylord, something outdated state laws had prevented.
And that happened while they were raising their kids, while they were engaged in other things, serving on boards, writing weekly dedications and providing a guest experience that defined hospitality.
Join with us next month in celebrating four decades with American Flatbread and the Schenks at Lareau Farm and Forest.
