Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Since 2014, Hutch on Main has been serving Craig County many restaurant favorites and creative dishes. Recently, they were informed that they would have to vacate by the end of December.
“We received our notice, and at first it was disheartening,” said Jason Hutchison, the owner and main cook. “But I believe things happen for a reason, and I’m looking forward to opening another location.” Jason and his wife, Crystal, have enjoyed running the business and everything that comes with it.
“We opened on Friday, October 10, 2014. It was the Friday before the festival that year,” Hutchison explained. “We thought we were so ready, but we were so wrong! We have learned a lot over the years, and we feel this past year was our best to date.”
When they initially opened for business, Jason and Crystal had access to the adjoining room and brought in musicians to add to the weekend activities in Craig.
“We really miss that,” said one resident. “It was the only time we got to dance again around here, and we hope his new location will be big enough that we can bring the Thursday evening players inside!”
For years, Jason dreamed of running his own restaurant. “I took food service in school and enjoyed it. During my junior year in high school, I started working at a restaurant at this location when it was the Hotdog Stand owned by Roger Gillingham,” he said before adding, “I practically ran it all by myself when I worked on Saturdays. I can remember Rex Hale teaching me how to make sausage gravy for the first time.”
Many of Hutchison’s regular customers said that they were going to feel lost without his restaurant open. It has become a regular meeting spot for many seniors in town to share their daily stories over a hot cup of coffee every morning.
Hutchison added his personal touch to the menu with the addition of the American Cheeseburger and Cheesesteak, as well as the Hutch Burger.
Jennifer Crawford noted, “I enjoy eating at Hutch’s a couple times a week. They’re hometown people, and I know they cook for me like they cook for themselves. I like the food and the fellowship.”
Hutchison said that it was difficult to mention just one particular thing he enjoyed about having his own restaurant. “It has been simply amazing how many friends we have made here in the last four years,” he said.
Jason’s thoughts on the younger generation: “They come in here to work, and now they are out in the real world.”
Having customers participate every year in helping with the building’s Angel Tree meant a lot to Jason. “It has always been a blessing to help out others here in New Castle,” he said.
Hutch on Main will be closing on December 28, 2018, due to their lease being terminated and the owner having other ideas for the building space. Jason and Crystal are diligently seeking a new venue in Craig, preferably near town. “Our lease is being terminated, but we know God has closed this door, but will open a new door for us,” they noted.
Jason wishes to thank everyone that had worked with him at the Hutch. He also extended a personal thanks to each of his customers for their continued support since they have been open.
“I’d like to send a special thanks to Monica and Caleb for being with us since day one. They have been a big backbone of the restaurant,” he said.
Jason encourages everyone to support them in the next few weeks in prayers to find a new place in New Castle.
“Every one of you has left a special mark in our lives that we will never forget,” Hutchison shared. “As the sign in here says ‘Enter as a stranger leave as a Friend,’ we hope everyone that has been in the restaurant can say this is true.”
