Hiller

HONESDALE - The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce named Jeffrey Hiller 2009 Business Person of the Year. Mr. Hiller and his wife Susan own and operate the Trackside Grill on Main Street in downtown Honesdale.

“Jeff is truly an ambassador for Wayne County” said Lew Critelli, Chamber President. “His contagious enthusiasm, tireless work ethic and eternal optimism make him ideally suited for this award.”

In early 2007 the Hillers purchased the Maple City Restaurant, a downtown Honesdale landmark. After completing renovations they opened Trackside Grill at the same location.

“We changed the name in an effort to bring the train feeling back to the ‘Birthplace of the American Railroad,’” Hiller said. The popular Main Street eatery is well adorned with train memorabilia and photos, many taken by Hiller. Even the staff is part of the atmosphere at Trackside Grill where engineer’s hats and red bandanas are company-issue.

“Our customers love to come in to see what we’re doing next,” said Trudy Derrick, a member of the Trackside Grill team. Trudy along with Susan Bates and Joan Derrick also worked for Maple City Restaurant under previous ownership and chose to make the move with the Hillers. Trudy says Jeff goes out of his way to help anyone interested in the area. “He’s been known to open up the yellow pages or even make calls for people looking for a business or a special item in the area,” Derrick commented. “When you talk to Jeff he makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room,”

Mr. Hiller’s restaurant experience spans more than three decades. As a teenager he began bussing tables at the Fireside Restaurant, formerly in Dyberry. Through the years he became a fixture at the popular establishment and developed many special programs for customers including a travel club. Jeff gained tremendous experience from that job and also a wife. He married Susan Ranner whose family owned the business. “I am blessed with the hardest working wife anyone could ask for and a staff who put their heart and soul into their work”, Hiller remarked. The couple has been married for 26 years. They have two sons, Kyle and Kristofer.

Since starting his business Hiller has become a passionate spokesperson for a number of important concerns. He is a board member of the Greater Honesdale Partnership where he serves as Chair of the special events committee. Upon assuming this role he helped to revitalize many of the town’s promotional programs and even created new events such as the Mardi Gras festival, held this past winter. “We were hoping to get at least a dozen businesses and groups to participate; we wound up with 60. That’s how much people care about this town and want to be involved,” Hiller proudly remarked.

Hiller is quick to attribute any success he has found to a long list of “others” but especially his wife, family, co-workers and community. “My love for this great town in which we live is my inspiration to ‘give back’ to the community that gives so much to us,” he commented.