SAUGUS — Kelly’s Roast Beef, a symbol with the same notoriety as the orange dinosaur, and Hilltop cactus along Route 1, was officially sold to AAM 15 Management.
“Growing up in this region, Kelly’s was always a part of my life. It’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a symbol of community and tradition,” said David Masse, CEO of AAM 15. “We’re proud to take on the responsibility of continuing Kelly’s legacy and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.”
Through this change in ownership the restaurants will remain open. But they may undergo some enhancements.
Kelly’s got its start in Revere in 1951 before making its way to Saugus, Danvers and Medford. These four original locations were owned by the McCarthy and Carey families before the sale.
Despite the change of ownership, many of the attractions within the restaurant hold great historic value connecting it back to its roots in Revere.
Walking into the restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the large fish tank with kids sitting in diner-style rotating chairs pointing at “Nemo” and “Dory” swimming through the reef structures. The front fish tank is in direct contrast to the one that sits in the back, which contains dead wood, darker coral, and fish of a much muter color.
As your eyes wander, they’ll catch a glimpse of a painting hanging over the ordering station that depicts the first Kelly’s in Revere, where people lined up outside waiting for roast beef sandwiches and clam plates.
Just to the left of the painting sits a paper mache clown face. The relic has just as much history as the Kelly’s chain. It was gifted to the Hurley Brothers in the 1940s and sat in Hurley’s Fun House. The fun house was one of many attractions of Revere Beach during its amusement park era. Restaurant goers can also see two carousel horses, from the famous Hurley’s Hurdlers ride, which also was located on the beach.
All of these objects help keep the restaurant frozen in time along with the pump-your-own-ketchup station, table number cards, and the almost untouched menu. Perhaps the only thing that pulls you out of it early 1900’s feeling are the large soda machines, which didn’t make an appearance until 2011, and the visible kitchen equipment behind the counter.
Though Kelly’s Roast Beef may see some changes, these relics and the many warm memories made there will make it difficult to change the atmosphere of the iconic spot.
