From Eagle Newspaper - Excellence Edition
February 2006
By Samanthi Martinez

Heartbeat of Hamilton

Innkeeper Ben Eberhardt will go to practically any length to please his customers at the Colgate Inn. Recently, he spent a few days in the fish houses in Boston, inspecting the daily catch for freshness and negotiating agreements to have fresh seafood arrive in Hamilton within 48 hours of harvest.

He also visited a few restaurants in the Boston area to study their operations, noting the level of service and focus on the customer.

The historic Colgate Inn has been in continuous operation in the heart of the village of Hamilton since 1925, offering time-honored small-town hospitality. Eberhardt plans to embark upon a three-phase renovation schedule this year, to include a major overhaul of the kitchen, and relocating the popular Tap Room to the front of the Inn, orienting it towards the street and out into the village. The Corner Grill will take the Tap Room’s location, offering quiet dining and act as a multipurpose room for special events.

“One of the keys to operating a successful inn is that you can never completely close,” explained Eberhardt, since overnight guests enjoy meals in one of two restaurants, or relax in the Inn’s newly renovated Green Room parlor. The Inn has 45 sleeping rooms with prices starting at $79 for a single to $99 and up for a suite.

Ordinarily, the Inn sees a dip in patronage as Colgate University’s academic year winds down but 2005 was different. The Inn began hosting live music every Friday, and live jazz on Tuesday evenings on the patio at the front of the building.

“All indications were that it was going to be a quiet summer,” said Eberhardt, “but people loved coming down, listening to music and seeing what was going on in the village center.” Plans are already
underway for a blues/rock/folk music series this summer, along with hot barbecue, corn-on-the-cob and chicken wings.

The Colgate Inn is already planning ahead to the traditional Independence Day Block Party. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 1, from 6:00 PM until midnight. The Inn will sell alcoholic beverages in the adults-only area, but many families enjoy the evening’s music and festivities by spilling onto the Village Green
adjoining the Inn. Last year’s Block Party was upgraded to include a simpler – and less expensive – beverage selection, and three live music acts rather than a single deejay.

Eberhardt, as general manager, relies on his administrative and operational team to maintain high levels of customer service. Jana Truett-Crouch handles special events and catering, while Jenna Younglove manages the hotel rooms, and John Campbell as director of operations manages the restaurants floor managers. Behind the scenes, Jeff Harris is facilities manager, and Debbie Soule manages the financial aspects and defines the role of the Inn in the community. In addition to his trusted staff, Eberhardt has another employee he
couldn’t do without.

“My wife Kristin,” he smiled, “she is my confidante, my sounding board, and we are best friends.” Kristin is a floor manager and often works alongside Eberhardt, where the two enjoy spending time together on the  job. So, it is no surprise that the Inn is offering a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Meal, which features chilled champagne, a half-dozen roses  and a box of Maxwell’s Chocolates.

For more information on the Colgate Inn in historic Hamilton, visit  www.colgateinn.com or call 315-824-2300.

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