Skender Liedl, owner of the Red Onion Restaurant which celebrated its 40th year of business on Sunday, May 2, is pictured with his granddaughter, Britt Taylor (who has been a part of the restaurant since she was in diapers), and Liedl’s daughter and Britt’s mom, Monika Taylor, who not only helps her dad but owns and operates the Club House Restaurant also in Rangeley. (Laura Dunham photo) RANGELEY — There was a steady stream of people visiting the Red Onion Restaurant on Main Street Sunday, May 2 as owner Skender Liedl celebrated his 40th year of business.

Liedl said that he and his late wife, Bruni, opened the restaurant in 1970 coming from New Jersey and settling in Rangeley.

On hand to help Liedl celebrate his special day were not only many of the 12 to 15 current employees but many of those who had worked for Liedl over the years.

Cathy White said she started working at the restaurant while in high school in 1975 and worked there until 1990. Nichole Latty was one of Liedl’s first waitresses in 1979 and had come by to offer her good wishes. Latty’s daughter, Suzanne, has been cooking at the restaurant for the past 24 years and is still at it.

Also on hand was Diane Haley who has worked over 10 years in the kitchen along with Jesse Jamison and Priscilla Palmer.

“One year I took all the employees on a cruise,” said Liedl as he showed off the photograph.

Liedl’s daughter, Monika Taylor, not only helps her dad in the office but also owns and operates The Club house Restaurant also in Rangeley. Taylor’s daughter Britt, who is a senior at Rangeley High School, has been at the restaurant with her grandfa- ther since she was in diapers and now works as much as she can to help out.

There were other long-time employees present Sunday including Doris Fountain who had worked over 10 years and Steve Grant who started at the Red Onion when he was just 14 and now works at the local IGA. There was also Kelly O’Neil who has worked as a waitress since she was 14 and although she owns Kelly O’Neil Graphics she stills finds time to waitress at the restaurant.

“It’s the local people who keep me going,” Liedl said as he looked around at all his regular customers who came to wish him well and was overwhelmed that he had been at the restaurant for 40 years. “Now I have to start over again,” he said.

Those stopping by enjoyed a buffet consisting of three tables loaded with favorite foods cooked at the restaurant.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and features a full service lounge along with a menu that includes deep fried haddock, homemade meatloaf, a 16-ounce rib eye steak and beer battered shrimp to name a few. Prices range from $7.99 to $19.99.

For reservations, call 864-5022.