Joe’s Original Kitchen & Bar in Dartmouth Celebrates the OG Joe’s 96th Birthday
It was a special day in Dartmouth as Joe’s Original Kitchen and Bar celebrated the Original Joe, himself.
March 7th marked Joe Silverstein’s 96th birthday, and without Joe, his son, Steve Silverstein, may have never created one of the most popular family restaurants in Dartmouth and beyond.
The Story of Joe Silverstein
Joe Silverstein was the proud owner of Silverstein’s Clothing back in the nineties, an esteemed family business that was in operation for nearly 100 years.
“In my mind, Joe is one the best businessmen I know,” said Douglas Lopes, Joe’s Original employee and longtime friend of the Silverstein family. He has been working alongside the Silversteins for the past forty-three years.
“I’ve become more than just an employee, I’m a friend of the family,” he said. “I should be way retired by now, as my children say, but I keep coming back to help. It’s a big, wonderful vibe here.”
Honoring Joe With the Dartmouth Location
Joe’s son, Steven, opened the first Not Your Average Joe’s in Dartmouth in 1994. Steve wanted to create a “unique, neighborhood place, where people know your name, where the food and prices are great, and where you feel special without dressing up.” Those values, no doubt, stemmed from having a father like Joe.
“(Joe) is just a kind person,” said Lopes. “When I first started working (at Joe’s Original), we certainly did carry over the values from Silverstein’s. He was all about service and doing whatever it took to make people happy.”
Steven Silverstein grew the Not Your Average Joe’s brand well beyond Dartmouth, and in 2018, he decided to retire from the restaurant and purchase back the original Joe’s.
“Joe, may you feel the love and joy that you have given to so many others through your influence on the SouthCoast,” said Joe’s Original. “You are truly what it means to be ‘One of a Kind.’”
Happy Birthday, Joe! The SouthCoast loves you.