Saturday
May 18, 2024 
At 14, he was clearing the tables; later he spent hours behind the bar serving up drinks and keeping his eye on the bustling kitchen. Now he owns the place.
John Wolff, who just celebrated his 27th birthday, bought Chambers 19 and The Other Side in Doylestown in February.
“It’s my first endeavor,” said the soft spoken Bucks County native, who, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say, grew up in the restaurant, a longtime borough favorite.
The 2014 Central Bucks West graduate bought the businesses and the South Main Street building that includes three apartments from Matt Caffrey and his wife, Adrienne Chalmers. The couple owned and operated the successful restaurant and bars for 20 years before tapping Wolff as their preferred buyer.
“Owning my own business was always on the horizon,” said the young, ambitious entrepreneur. “Matt always joked about me being next in line.”
In high school, Wolff said, he took elective classes in personal finance and economics. At Bucks County Community College, he studied business, taking an accounting course. “I really liked it, I recommend it,” he said, with a smile.
But higher education took a back seat when Caffrey asked him to be his bar manager.
“I took that and haven’t looked back since,” Wolff said.
For the past six to seven years, Wolff said, “I’ve been largely running the business.” Still, “Matt’s always there if needed.”
It’s no small feat for a then-26-year-old to secure financing for what’s clearly a very substantial amount of money. While Wolff did not discuss what he paid for the property, he did say he prepared a 19-20 page business plan. “I think the bank was impressed by that,” he said, adding, another benefit was, “It’s an established business.”
Wolff said he intends to continue many of the strengths of Chambers, including welcoming fundraising events and its reputation of building community.
“The town support is absolutely tremendous…people like it and stand behind it. Quality and consistency are very important to me,” he said. A new summer menu is at the ready.
There are some changes in store, however. “We’ll be freshening up, cleaning up,” said Wolff. To start, the front awning has come down to be replaced with new lighting and a fresh coat of paint.
As most know, the restaurant business is a challenging one, but Wolff said he’s ready. After all, he’s been in training a long time.
“I like the fast pace of this industry and seeing people having fun. I want to continue that energy. I don’t want to pass up any opportunities,” he said.
“Big risks for big rewards.”
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