By SAMANTHA BEAL
Clarion News writer
“My husband was retiring,” said Judy. “We’re always on the go. We’re always doing something.”
The Ackermanns moved to the area around 2007 to get away from hot summers in West Virginia, which particularly affected Judy because she has MS.
Buying the market in 2015 was a step toward “settling down” for the Ackermanns: Peter, who worked in satellite communications, traveled to more than 90 countries over the course of his job.
PJ’s is a combined grocery and deli, with seating for about 25 and prepared food served from all day. PJ’s makes everything in-house including blending the pizza cheese and smoking the bacon using Judy’s recipes or those of the previous owner.
“I like to experiment,” Judy explained. “(The workers) never know what they’re coming back to.”
The Judy Wrap, for instance, was a spur-of-the-moment concoction with roast beef, turkey, ham, two cheeses, coleslaw and lettuce.
PJ’s famous “Oh S— Sauce” came to be after Judy had to fill orders for barbeque ribs and didn’t have enough sauce. She threw some things together and served her customers. When they said it was the best sauce they ever tasted, she and Peter worked backward to figure out what was in it.
“We were tasting what was left over,” she remembers. “We finally got it down pat.”
It’s not unusual for Judy to make a great recipe and not know exactly how much and sometimes what ingredients went in.
“I was taught to cook by my grandmother,” said Judy. “She cooked by taste.”
The meatloaf, a Monday night special, is Judy’s recipe, while Friday night’s cut-to-order Delmonico steaks are Peter’s. Customers can order a pound steak with a baked potato, sauted mushrooms, caramelized onions and salad for $15.99.
“You can’t get a better steak anywhere,” added Judy.
With a made-to-order sub and pizza station and a fully stocked deli counter, PJ’s always offers new dishes. For instance, there are mixed salads that are “staples” potato and macaroni are two but the PJ’s offers as many as 15 fresh mixes.
The menu is flexible and has changed many times since the Ackermanns opened. Judy’s always willing to try something new at the customers’ suggestions.
“You have to listen to them,” said Ackermann.
Coffee is a perfect example of that. When the Ackermanns first bought the market, Judy asked a group of morning regulars what changes they’d like to see. Coffee was the biggest concern.
Judy returned from a food show with several new brands, spent a morning brewing them up and served them to the group. She asked the gentlemen to tell her which ones to serve.
“New England got every vote, hands down,” she recalled.
New England won in every category, too: morning, dark and hazelnut roasts. Since switching brands, coffee sales have really spiked.
As a market, PJ’s also sells a variety of produce, dry goods and meats. The meat selection is particularly popular (PJ’s makes its own sausage and buys meat locally) and the market can customize orders.
“Pretty much anything that you want, if you order it ahead of time,” said Judy.
“He’s really helped us in increasing the business there,” she said.
Between PJ’s ice cream window featuring Scheider’s Dairy products and a produce counter stocked by local farmers, the Ackermanns buy as locally as they can.
This year, they’d like to expand their displays and what they carry, particularly in the area of produce. Judy always asks people to tell her what they want, which helps the Ackermanns decide how to grow.
“If there’s something you’re looking for, come and ask me,” Judy emphasized.
The Ackermanns participate in Mayfest and other area events. One thing they started 25 years ago and still do today is offer a free holiday meal for anyone in the community in need of people to share Christmas with.
Visitors can stop by PJ’s for a dinner with all the trimmings and no price tag.
“That’s our way of giving back,” said Judy.
On Christmas Eve, the Ackermanns help Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver gifts in a horse-drawn sleigh to families in need around town. They also sponsor activities throughout the year.
“All I ask is, ‘How does it benefit the children of this area?'” Judy explained. “Or families.”
PJ’s has about 13 employees (including the Ackermanns’ daughter Jessica Bryant and their grandson Noah Morrison) and a strong customer base.
“We have a lot of very good, loyal customers,” summarized Judy. “You’re part of their family.”
The restaurant has nightly specials, wings, 15 different pizzas and about 30 different sandwiches.
PJ’s does cater events and can be reached at (814) 354-2804. Stay up to date with specials and events by following PJ’s on Facebook.