For Meredeth Harvey, owning a restaurant has been a lifelong goal. The Glen Burnie resident, who has spent much of her life working various jobs in the restaurant industry, is finally fulfilling her dream this summer with the opening of Betty Lou’s in Magothy Beach Plaza.
“I started as a hostess at Lonestar in the ‘90s – yes I had to line dance. I got my first job waiting tables at Ruby Tuesday in Marley Station Mall as soon as I turned 18. Since then, I have worked in all sorts of environments from dive bars to fine dining,” said Harvey. “I really just love everything about the restaurant industry and the community it can provide.”
For the last several months, Harvey and her husband have been working around the clock to transform the former Mutiny’s Pirate Bar location into something of their own. With the pirate-themed decor gone, Harvey is ready to bring her vision to life. “We’re aiming to be open by the end of July,” she said.
The inspiration for Betty Lou’s stems from Harvey’s mother, named Betty Lou. “She’s never really embraced her name so we are reclaiming it for her. She has been a huge inspiration to me over the years. She started her own company when she was about my age and is still working full time doing something she loves. She’s always up for an adventure and makes a mean biscuit. A lot of the recipes I am using I learned from her and grew up eating,” said Harvey.
As for the type of vibe Harvey hopes to create, everything at Betty Lou’s – from the food to the atmosphere – will be focused on comfort. “I’m aspiring for Betty Lou’s to be the kind of place you go to when you’re having a rough day and you need something comforting. The menu will rotate with the seasons and as soon as we get our feet under us we will host charity wine dinners and nightly specials,” she said. “We are focused on putting out delicious food and cocktails but also creating a place of community.”
Additionally, Betty Lou’s will also feature a full bar area with craft cocktails. “I love a pretty and tasty drink because it makes you feel fancy,” added Harvey.
While Harvey and her team work tirelessly to open their doors, she reiterated how welcoming the Pasadena community has been so far. “Everyone I have met over the past two weeks while I’ve been cleaning has been so welcoming,” she said. “Pasadena has been pretty vocal with how sick they are of corporations coming in – and I can promise that is not what you are getting with me. I’m really excited about this and can’t wait to meet everyone.”
To stay up to to date on the opening of Betty Lou’s, like their Facebook page.
