Paul & Elizabeth's
Over 40 years ago, on the cusp of Northampton’s cultural renaissance, Paul and Elizabeth Sustick opened Paul & Elizabeth’s, a light-filled restaurant featuring vegetarian fare in Thornes Marketplace. A year later, their first child, Nate, was born. From his crib in the backroom, he’d wake from a nap to the sounds of clinking pans and sizzling oil.
“I wasn’t thinking at six that I would take over the restaurant, but I found a lot here over the years,” said Nate. “It’s been a pretty organic transition, and continues to be. We’ve been working on the transition for 20 years. We are almost there,” Paul chuckled.”
Over the years, Nate has learned different aspects of running the business – bit by bit. In turn, his youth and energy, “has added a dimension that is mirrored in both his operation of the restaurant and his culinary gift that has revived and reinvigorated the restaurant,” said Elizabeth. “He’s been a tremendous asset.”
Beaming with pride that Nate has chosen to continue this legacy as his path, it’s also clear that Paul and Elizabeth are mindful of how much it takes. “I didn’t want to see him working as hard as we had to, but he’s working harder because of the times we live in,” said Elizabeth. “Yes, said Paul, there are certain things we didn’t tell Nate and his wife when he got into the business, like your weekends will be ruined for the rest of your life.”
Nate replied, “I make the time. You just figure it out. Another balance I’m working on is being both a chef and running the business. It’s important to me that I get to do both those things.”
Elizabeth’s insight on why this calling has worked for both Paul and Nate is that ” key factor is that their personalities fit the pressure. I admire them for their equanimity.”
Paul adds, “Technology has changed everything. Before, I could only be reached at the restaurant by phone. Now, everyone can reach Nate 24-hours a day.”
There is this downside to technology, but there is also an upside. Recently, the restaurant installed a point of sale system that Nate says makes it a lot easier to track things. He adds, “Technology has also made it a lot easier to place orders. That helps.”
Paul and Elizabeth both turn 70 this year. “It’s a magic number,” Paul quips. When asked what’s next, Elizabeth responds, “We have grandchildren here. Family is an aspect of our daily life, as is the restaurant. We spend a lot of time, and have a lot of fun, with them. As Paul always says, ‘Why would we go anywhere if we have grandchildren here?'”
Passing the Torch
Featuring businesses and organizations that are navigating leadership and ownership transitions as our community continues to grow and thrive.
We look forward to celebrating these partnerships at Torch, our centennial event on June 13. Click below to learn more.
Click below to learn about other transition pairs featured at Torch.
