Meet John Smith, American Dreamer. (Yes, That's His Real Name).
Laid off from a successful career in big business, Berwyn restauranteur John Smith is finally living his american dream... on his terms.
John Smith was "living the dream." With a nice house on the Main Line, a wife and five children, gardeners, a luxury vacation every year and a big corporate job it sure looked like the American dream.
It was a dream job, but it was not his dream.
Smith graduated from Conestoga High School in 1981, majored in accounting at Drexel University, and landed a job with Toll Brothers, the national home building company based in Huntington Valley.
While he was thriving on the outside, Smith says he was withering on the inside. "I knew 10-15 years ago," that it was not the job for him.
Smith is clearly a people person who values his customers as friends. Walk into his Berwyn breakfast spot Pattymac's Cafe for the first time and it's likely the only time he will need to ask you your name. Regulars, and there are many, are greeted as friends and always with a smile. The vibe is "Cheers" without the beers. It's a relaxing, warm atmosphere that's about as far from crunching numbers in a corporate setting as one could imagine. And that's exactly how Smith, who bought the business from Patty McElaney in May, likes it.
"Golden Handcuffs"
For two decades, Smith had a great accounting job at Toll Brothers. He was able to crunch numbers, and find savings, and track down problems when they arose with the balance sheets. He describes himself as a guy who could parachute in to Toll Brothers offices around the country when needs arose and hit the ground running. He developed a training program for accountants and kept track of billions of dollars.
He also took a lavish vacation every year and went out to lunch every day, not because he was 'living the life' but to escape the drudgery. "I used to go out for lunch 'cause I hated" the job. The same went for vacations. "I made good money and I took expensive vacations," Smith explains because when you can only escape once a year from a job that's not right for you "you gotta make the most of it."
Now Smith eats breakfast and lunch every day at his favorite restaurant—his. Vacation these days is a week at the Jersey shore. He takes it to spend time with his wife and five children. Instead of dreading the return to work, he looks forward to going back to the new career he is personally invested in.
That's not all that has changed in Smith's life and outlook.
Scaling back and breathing easier
"I have no more professionals at my home," Smith says. He cuts his own grass and does his own handy work, the things he never had time to do when he was working late all the time. "It's amazing (how much you can spend) when you look at the cost of going to work. I've probably scaled back $1,000 a month from what I used to pay."
Smith has also stopped worrying about retirement. He said he used to have a goal of having "three million dollars" in the bank so he could retire. Now he has no desire to retire. "When you're in that (corporate) situation, you're gonna retire, travel, play golf?" It always seemed kind of empty to think about. Now when he talks about retiring, Smith looks around at the people enjoying his restaurant, a broad smile comes over his face, and he says "this is it! I don't worry about how I'm gonna get to my $3 million when I'm 65. I could be dead when I'm 65."
Welcome 'bad' news
None of Smith's new-found job satisfaction, fulfillment and sunny outlook on life would have been possible without the collapse of the housing market. Smith saw the writing on the wall and had time to prepare financially. Even as he was laying off accountants who worked for him at Toll Brothers, he took steps to start banking against the chance he would be laid off. When it happened, he was happy to get the news and to be set free from a situation he hated, but would have stayed in for the security.
Jumping in
Smith said he knew that he was good with numbers but he wanted to buy an established business. After two years of looking at possibilities, he found Pattymac's Cafe. It seemed like a good fit for both Smith and Patty McElaney. She still works there part time and it's her name on the front door. She wanted a buyer, he wanted a place that had a following and the potential for expansion. In May they closed the deal.
"Patty is the goodwill," Smith explains. It's a combination that seems to be working. Smith has made some changes like featuring weekly lunch specials instead of daily specials (to let word of mouth spread) and plans to add an outside deck down the road. Both Patty Mac and John Smith are connected to their customers old and new. Spend a few lunch hours in the cafe and you quickly see there are no strangers at Pattymac's. There's nothing corporate/cubicle about it. Just look at the photos of the signs that hang on the walls.
The accountant in John Smith took a long hard look at the numbers before taking the plunge. His heart told him buying Pattymac's was the right thing to do.
Smith cautions his dream—changing experience may not be for everyone. "You need to be a little desperate and a little bit crazy to do this. I'm OK with not playing it safe."
In This article
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Conestoga High School
200 Irish Rd, Berwyn, PA -
EmJ's Cafe
814 Lancaster Ave, Berwyn, PA
Lou Seguzi
12:14 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Ummmm - where, exactly, did it say he "walked away". Pushed was more like it.
bob Segusi
11:27 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Whether someone is pushed out or not is not important, it's what a person does when faced with uncertainty that shows their true character. Corporate life style can seem like a one way ticket to happiness for one, but it's not for everyone. Many people found their true course after circumstances out of their control dictated a new course of action. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Bob Byrne
8:15 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lou, nowhere does it say he "walked away" In fact he was laid off and that opened a path he might never have taken.
Noah Fense
12:47 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Why I find it quite remarkable that John walked away from such a high powered corporate job. I myself did the same but failed miserably.
Dee Lynn Quint
4:35 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Does anyone know if this place will allow me to run a monthly tab? I'm running out of places to go and eat.
Chris P Bacon
4:54 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Dee, I am quite certain they would allow you to run a tab. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a Crabby Patty today!
Sarah Alderman
7:04 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
I don't know who these pranksters are with their very strange comments and ideas but I feel I must apologize for them on behalf of all of us who have parachuted into the corporate world and hit the ground running and kept running - never to look back. Horray for you John and baba booey to all
Al Michaels
7:43 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Sarah, this is Al Michaels. For the record that was a totally farcicle email. We have them on every coast and it won't be the first time nor the last time we have been had.
SMACCOS
9:39 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!! love, carmen, charlie, hunter, adriana & christina
robert alexander
10:23 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
good luck john & family,great article,see you on sat. or sun.as usual(great breakfast and nice people)
Dee Major
9:46 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
My major (pardon the pun) concern about this establishment is what type of music is played here at Phattymac's. Music is the voice of God and essential to drawing the proper clientele. I am a music efficianado and would be glad to lend a helping hand since I envision Fonzie banging on a juke box playing one-two-three o'clock four o'clock rock.
Kitty Katz
9:54 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Dee, WHO CARES!
It is essential to me that this place be PET FRIENDLY
Kent C. Strait
10:23 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I am an optometrist and my concern is that the menu has large enough print
Joe King
10:57 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Kent, seriously look at the pictures included with the article. Are you a blind optometrist? The blackboard has writing large enough for all to read. If only you doctors would list the small print charges you pass on in a readable as is the blackboard
Bob Byrne
10:37 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Kent: Interestingly the menu is yellow with black type. I heard Patty explain to a customer that research shows that is the most readable color format for a menu. I know that the staff is very friendly and would probably offer suggestions if you have trouble seeing.
Stan Still
10:33 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I own a stationery store and I would be glad to supply materials
Mary A Richman
11:27 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Can anyone verify if the lunch clientele consists of wealthy hot businessmen?
Do they serve Beefcake for breakfast?
Yum Yum!!!
Doug Graves
11:54 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Judging by the numerous comments to this article it sounds as though people are dying to eat here.
Sheila Blige
12:39 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I agree with this comment. I always agree with everyone
Wanda Rinn
12:47 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
can anyone point me int he right direction for this place? I seem to have missed it - again
Rod N. Reel
1:03 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
does this place have good seafood?
Bob Byrne
1:15 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wanda here's the link with the address and map in our directory. http://patch.com/L-lP4T
Rod: IMO They have great crabcakes.
Here's a review our TE Patch restaurant critic Marilyn D'Angelo did last month: http://patch.com/A-kB0G
Brighton Early
1:17 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hey Bob, thanks for the hookup. I could not locate a website and was wondering what time they opened. Great Stuff
Paige Turner
1:20 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
this blog is like a good book that you can't put down
C. Senor
1:52 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Uno por favor Bob Byrne, how are the tacos and burritos?
Fannie Mae Grough
2:26 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Do they have all-you-can-eat events?
Tom Morrow
3:07 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
This place sounds delicious. I want to try and get there today but, as always, I will procrastinate
Ben Dover
3:16 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I feel like these small cafes are so pricey and you feel taken advantage of but this place seems pretty reasonable.
Juan Menudo
7:58 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I'll be right there........just hold on
AL Fresco
3:21 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I can't wait for the owners to put that deck on
Carrie Oakey
3:38 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I have actually had a meal at macpatty's and I feel compelled to sing their praises
Al K. Seltzer
3:48 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Love this place!
I get a lot of business from them
Sarah Alderman
4:08 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Weird. I didn't write this comment either at 4:07 ...
Beau Tye
4:16 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Does anyone know the dress code for this place?
I.P. Daly
4:21 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
can anyone please tell me if the bathrooms are unisex?
Iona Stonehouse
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
My husband and I live on the main line - have for a very long time. This article has brought alot of attention to a local secret gem of a place. We are very pretentious, ostentatious and artificial here in our own little area and wish to keep, like our money, these things to ourselves. Thank you
Jerry Atrick
4:32 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
can anyone tell me what time the early bird specials start
Constance Noring
4:50 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Is this place within walking distance from Villanova? My narcolepsy prevents me from driving.
X. Benedict
4:52 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Breakfast is my favorite meal. Does anyone know their specials?
Juan Frys-Withat
5:06 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Their burgers are bueno!
Justin Hale
5:49 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Just walking by the place I find the aromas very enticing.
Russell Leeves
5:59 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I am happy for the owner but I am now looking for gardening jobs
Bill Loney
9:27 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
There seems to be a great amout of tom foolery on this blog.I do not know what to believe anymore
Anna Recksiek
9:59 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
sounds nice but I don't think this place is for me.
Anna Prentice
10:06 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
anyone know if they are hiring?
Anne Teak
10:08 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Yes - I applied but they said I was too old!
Skip Dover
10:12 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Anna, I also tried for employment but they hired someone else
Tina Ger
11:51 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
OMG! They said I was too young!!
Barry Cade
10:17 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Isn't Lancaster Avenue under construction? I sat there in traffic all last week.
Ulanda U. Lucky
10:19 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Mr Smith discusses his ability to "parachute in" as if anyone can do it. Please do not take this skill so lightly. As a one time skydiver, yes one time only, I know the difficulty
Brock Lee
10:24 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
do they serve vegetables at this eatery?
Chris Coe
10:30 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Brock, good question, but I am more interested in if they use vegetable oil.
Wes Noil
3:59 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Yes, Chris, they use vegetable oil and canola oil.
Lois Steem
10:25 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
do you think they are really hiring? I probably would not get the job anyway
Howie Doohan
10:37 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Top of the morning to all!!!
Luke Warm
10:43 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
To be honest, I am ambivalent about this place
Drew A. Blank
10:44 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I think I have been to this place but really am not too sure
Russell Upsumgrub
10:46 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Getting close to lunch time. I am headed over to Pattymac's
Eileen Yorway
10:50 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I agree with Luke but I may just head over to this eatery anyway - can't really decide fully
Emile Initself
11:04 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I'm no food critic nor a big eater but the bread served here - what can I say
Theresa Crowd
11:19 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
hi gang - looking for someone to join me for lunch at Pattymac's. However, just one person can't handle any more
Rush Inuit
11:34 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I just can't wait to eat here!
Phyllis Steen
11:39 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I have a Goliath appetite - do they serve middle eastern food? Preferably nothing with a cloven hoof
Orson Buggy
11:43 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Normally, I only frequent eateries in Lancaster but I may think outside the stable and give it a try!
Miss Inga Tooth
11:48 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Theresa - I will meet you for lunch! Shall we say around 1:30? Don't worry, you will recognize me
Dee Kay, DDS
11:56 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Miss Inga,
I would love to meet you if Theresa cannot attend. Desert is on me!
Dee Kay, DDS
12:05 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
How about we eat at 2:30 ?
LOL Dental joke - get it? tooth hurty:) This is the type of humor I will bring to the table. Anyone else care to join us? I don't know why I can't get any patients to come to my office.
Owen Cash
12:33 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
HAHA a dentist with a real sense of humor :) I am looking for treatment but of course would need payment terms
Frank Enstein
12:08 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Does anyone know if this place cooks with an open flame?
Trust me. It matters to me, OK!
Fitz Matush
1:18 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
not sure if I am doing this correctly but wanted to comment back on Wilma's question regarding seat width - no worries - seats are wide enough indeed
Raynor Schein
1:29 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I am going no matter what!!!
Robin Banks
1:32 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
anybody know what type of security system they have? Infrared, silent alarm, one door, two doors, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have been away for a while.
Ben Thayer
2:18 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
lovely place would go back
Don Thatt
2:21 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Agreed
Olive Smoak
4:20 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Anyone know if you can fire up a heater in this establishment?
A. Hugh Nokitov
9:34 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
who leaves such comments regarding such a fine dining establishment?
Turner Luce
9:37 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
AFter reading the blog, my wife is crazy about going to this eatery. I guess I have no choice but to let her
Sir Irving Spoon
9:40 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Anyone know if this establishment serves family style meals? I believe I could be of great assistance with this as I have years of experience
Isaiah Olchap
10:39 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Cheerio Sir Irving Spoon,
Don't know much about family style meals but the Tea, Krumpets, Fish and Chips made me feel like I was back in merry ole England!
Hugo First
9:42 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I really want to try this place but will probably let my friends go before I try it
Diana Boredom
10:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Jeez, I really have nothing to do. no one around and nothing good on the tube. I suppose I will head over to Pattymac's
Henri Lenting
10:27 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
as a result of this article, everyone I know wants to rush to this eatery. They are calling and texting constantly - they refuse to leave me alone until we have a meal here
L. Ron Cupboard
10:45 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I did not do a scientific study comparing other eateries but I found this to be an out of this world religious experience
Dan Saul Knight
11:05 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
what is the latest they serve here? I probably can't make it for breakfast, brunch,lunch or early dinner - too tired
Kurt Reply
2:05 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
as always, I will kep my comment short - unbelievable!
Nick Nack
2:38 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Has anyone noticed the beautiful figurines in the restaurant?
Taye Bell Furtoo
2:40 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I have serious reservations about this place
Ewan Watarmy
12:01 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
oh yeah? says who??
Lao Tse Parker
10:02 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Does anyone know if there is off street parking here? I am not very good at parallel parking
Corey O. Graff
10:10 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
I am in the process of putting a trip together for dinner. It takes extreme planning, perfect timing and snychronization. Anyone interested in participating
Earl Lee Riser
10:28 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Heading over for breakfast- slept in today - very unusual
Eaton Wright
10:30 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Great food here and good for you
Helen Back
10:49 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
been to the place and headed there again
Phil A. Minyan
11:49 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
How are the steaks at this place?
Adam Baum
11:52 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
best food this side of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. A veritable explosion for the taste buds
Hugh Daman
11:58 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
You go, Adam!
Bud Light
11:55 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Is this place BYOB?
Barb E. Dahl
12:06 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Is there off street parking for my Corvette or Ken I just leave it out front?
Otto M. Kanick
12:15 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
just leave your car with me, Barb......I'll take good care of it
RObin D'Craydell
12:17 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Does this place have booster seats? I want to bring my boyfriend
Kenya Dewit
12:19 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
I made it to Pattymac's cafe - how about you?
Lou Zar
12:21 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
have no had much luck lately. Perhaps that will change with a trip to this place
Manny Kinn
12:23 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
This blog is great! I am so tired of hanging around fake and artificial types - seems like real folks here
Bonnie Ann Clyde
12:26 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Restaurants without free parking are public enemies and partners in crime with the parking authority
Weston East
12:35 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Bonnie - I agree.
They need a moral COMPASS
Noah Lott
12:37 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Don't question me on this one - Pattymac's cafe is the best
Penny Wise
12:40 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
excellent value at this establishment - especially the crabcakes
Rich Guy
12:43 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Penny - you are so right. I typically do not want worry about money but I do enjoy good value - thanks!
April Schauers
12:57 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
MAY I bring flowers?
Levon Kotes
3:57 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
is it hot or cold inside this place?
Hy Marx
4:00 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
I give Pattymac's a 9
Mike Raffone
4:14 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
can you hear yourself think or do you have to speak over all the other patrons?
Bob Byrne
4:18 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
Wow. What a week of great comments. Thanks to all who commented both under their real names (and some very creative monikers). The response to this story has been overwhelming and is appreciated.