Crowd-favorite Mayfield Restaurant is moving to a great new space
Owner Maddy Martinsen (right) credits the restaurant’s rapid growth to the power of the Blair County community. Photo provided.
This fall, crowd-favorite Mayfield is moving into the Capitol Hotel building on Allegheny Street. Mayfield’s owner, Maddy Martinsen, says that the journey from launching in the middle of the pandemic to being “filled to the brim” and needing new space is a testament to the power of connection in Hollidaysburg. “I’m continually amazed by this community,” she said.
Martinsen was raised in Hollidaysburg, as was her mom before that. “I recognize most of the people I see in a day,” she said. “It’s close to bigger cities, but still has that feeling of home.”
“It’s that small town America that we are all trying to preserve. It’s a pretty cool place to be.”
It’s also a pretty cool place to start a business, she said. Martinsen received critical support from Startup Alleghenies, which helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties.
“From our first meetings with Maddy we knew she was passionate about not only her food and restaurant idea but also about being a part of the community and downtown Hollidaysburg,” Matt Fox, Startup Alleghenies Blair County coach said.
Mayfield Restaurant launched in November 2020 as a breakfast and lunch destination. Within weeks of launching, restaurants had to move to takeout only, and Martinsen and her team quickly realized that takeout for breakfast and lunch was not viable for the brand-new eatery. “Our biggest pivot was switching to lunch and dinner for our takeout options,” she said.
The change was hugely popular — giving customers familiar favorites with unique, delicious twists. She says that some of their biggest takeout sellers were their featured burgers with patties cooked to order and loaded with toppings.
By the time restrictions were lifted, word had spread about Mayfield.
“The Hollidaysburg community has really embraced having a new restaurant in town,” she said.
“They spread positive reviews, told friends — the word of mouth was really great to get us launched.”
The word of mouth recommendations meant that Mayfield has gotten more and more full. “We need more space. We only have 26 seats and when the place gets full, it gets loud. It’s quirky and fun, and a great atmosphere, but there’s no privacy for a quiet meal.”
Enter the Capitol Hotel. The local landmark has been a staple in the Hollidaysburg landscape since 1860. The building was owned by the Laratonda family since 1970, and recently sold to an investor who wishes to remain anonymous. The building — and its location on the Diamond in the heart of town — are a perfect fit for Mayfield.
Mayfield is moving into the Capitol Hotel this fall. Photo provided.
Mayfield will be leasing the entire hotel building, which includes The Pipe Room (which they will manage) along with two full apartments.
Martinsen said that the new space will offer triple the amount of space that they had before. They will also have a liquor license, and will be expanding their menu to add more beverage options.
Among all the newness that this chapter brings, one thing remains the same. Mayfield is committed to making sure that ‘there is a plate for everyone.’
“We don’t confine ourselves to any one type of food,” Martinsen said. “We offer menu items that range from beef to fish, from burgers to vegan dishes. We have plates that are more elegant, and we also make the best cheese steak. You can gather here with your family and friends, and you will all find something to enjoy.”
Fox agrees. “We have assisted her with different financial programs along the way and we know her successes will continue with the new location,” he said.
Along with being the Startup Alleghenies coach for Blair County, Fox is also the director of business expansion for Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD Corp). He said that Startup Alleghenies is part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters growth for local entrepreneurs. “We are always happy to see a local entrepreneur see their dreams realized and work with them through every phase of their business idea, launch and growth,” he said. “We are excited for this next step for Maddy and Mayfield to grow here in Blair County.”
In addition to Startup Alleghenies and ABCD Corp, Martinsen was also helped by other local resources. “I worked with Jeff Boldizar from the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), who helped me tremendously with my profit and loss statement. Grad students in his office helped me with my logo and website. Ben Franklin Technology Partners helped me with new numbers to help us make decisions about how to grow the business. They were a great resource.”
“It’s a lot of work, but if you do it right, it’s so, so worth it. I love going to work every single day.”
As Martinsen makes plans for Mayfield’s next chapter, she says she has advice for other entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey. “Don’t go into it lightly. Be willing to see if you are wrong, and make changes to get it right. Make sure that it’s something that you want to do, and keep on doing. It’s a lot of work, but if you do it right, it’s so, so worth it. I love going to work every single day.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
