Harleysville Hotel Sold to Restaurant Family, New Ownership to Retain Name

Harleysville Hotel will be serving its last meals this week under current ownership, as owner Leon Florentino, 89, and his family have decided to sell the restaurant after 51 years of ownership.

"This will probably be one of the hardest posts we will ever have to make. For several years our family has been passing around the idea of selling the Harleysville Hotel, but it wasn’t until this past year that we really made the decision. Our father Leon has had some health/aging issues for several years and will require more care going forward,” wrote the family in the post.

"That being said,” they continued, "we found a family that has been in the restaurant business for over 40 years and has another amazing business, to buy it. They plan to keep the name and history of the Harleysville Hotel. They understand how much this business has been a part of the community for almost 51 years and want to continue the legacy of the Hotel, with their own twist on things.”

The hotel will close on Tuesday to go to settlement, per the post. The hotel will reopen Wednesday, March 20 at 11 a.m. "with all the same smiling faces.”

The family is offering the public a couple opportunities to have one last supper with Florentino: Tuesday to Friday this week around noon, Friday night at 5:30 p.m., and the last day of business, Monday, around noon.

According to the family, Florentino bought the small "shot and beer” establishment on June 10, 1973 and never looked back. Under Florentino’s tenure, the hotel underwent some renovations and changes, like numerous repositioning of the bar, upgraded equipment, and pool tables that have come and gone.

"But one thing remained the same … the passion Leon had to make this a welcoming and incredible place to patronize. I could probably write an entire book about Leon and all of his amazing accomplishments over the years, but the one thing I can say he is most proud of is the family he has and the friendships he has made over the years,” said the post. "Owning a business for over 50 years you meet so many people, and I can honestly say, I don’t think I have met a single person that had negative things to say about him. He just has this thing about him that makes people smile and makes them feel welcome.”

In the post, the family thanked Florentino’s ex-wife Debbie and his niece MaryEllen.

"Both of these amazing women have worked at the hotel for over 40 years each. Debbie has held the kitchen together along with being the ‘mom’ to so many people. She has the kindest heart and would give the shirt off her back for anyone,” said the post. "Debbie has been with the hotel since she was 19 years old and has worked her ass off ever since. She not only worked there, but Debbie performed there in a band for years with her beautiful voice and soul.”

MaryEllen has been a bartender at Harleysville Hotel for years.

"From back in the day of wearing heels and mesh tops behind the bar, to holding ‘story time’ now for the daytime crowd. MaryEllen is also the sweetest woman who would do anything for anyone. Both these ladies have always seen the good in every person that walked through our doors and have welcomed everyone with open arms! These two alone have helped mold this business into what it is today.”

The post also thanked the former and current staff, the community and patrons, first responders and township workers and staff, and vendors and suppliers.

"Former staff and current staff, if it wasn’t for each of you, this business would not be open and operating every day. I know things have changed so much over the years (especially after Covid), but the staff adjust and thrive. Our staff have always gone above and beyond for the business and have given so much of their life to the Hotel. Our staff over the years have become more like extended family to us and we will miss all of them so much. A piece of our hearts will stay with them all at the hotel,” said the post.

Harleysville Hotel, per the post, has been a part of everything in the community, from fundraisers and fairs, to sponsoring sports teams and school functions.

And let’s not forget about the wings. After all, its Facebook page URL suffix is "bestwings44”.

"We have watched couples date, to marriage, to having kids, and then watch their kids grow. We have watched so many accomplish amazing things in life, we have watched some age and pass, we have watched them struggle and have watched them achieve. Our community is what has kept us going for over 50 years,” said the post.

The family thanked the firefighters who "come in after training” and have done so as tradition for years.

"They are always there to assist us when in need and always there for our staff as well. Seeing those logos on the tables is a constant reminder that they will always have our backs and have our hearts,” said the post.

"The police department has become a huge part of our family as well … Going to the station over the holidays to provide meals for them is the least we could do for all their support and safety over the years. They are always there for our staff if there is a situation or there to escort them out at night if they feel unsafe. They are such an incredible group of men and women, and we will forever be in their debt,” said the post.

EMTs, it said, have been important to business for medical emergencies and accidents. The family also thanked Lower Salford Township for its patience.

"We started out as a ‘biker’ bar and made our way to become a family place and the township has always been so wonderful to us over the course of our changes,” the post said.

Patrons and supporters of the hotel expressed their memories and well wishes on the Facebook post, garnering 100 comments, 630 likes and 179 shares in under 10 hours.

"So many great memories making music with everyone in this sacred neon temple. I love ya Leon! Much love and Graditude to you all. 51 Years….WHAT A RUN!!!!!” wrote local musician Mike Guldin.

"I first walked through the doors when I was just 21 in 1976 with Leon behind the bar. It quickly became out hot spot to go to. How it has evolved over the years,” commented Nancy Hoelzle Shore. "Thanks to Leon and Deb for giving us all a place to go to laugh and hang with our friends. I raise a glass to you all.”

"Been coming here for the past 35 years. It’s still our go to place as we live right here in Harleysville. So many fun memories. The bands, the foosball, the bar, the food, the staff and the spirits. Best of luck with the sale and best of luck to the new ownership,” wrote Rich Palladino.

Read more well wishes and memories on its Facebook page.