In 1989, Russell Han decided to open his own restaurant. Ignoring all sense of reason, he purchased a building that was aptly named The Little Brown Shack in East Lyme. East Lyme is Russell’s hometown and he was excited to be a part of the community. He knew people wanted great food at good prices and he was determined to give it to them. The Shack Restaurant quickly became a local legend. Customers stood in line to enjoy Sunday breakfast, willingly accepted seats directly under leaks in the roof, and bounced their way through endless potholes in the parking lot.

In 2002, Russell’s son, Jeremy, followed in his father’s footsteps and opened J.R.’s Shack in Waterford.  Using the well-loved Shack menu, J.R.’s continues the tradition of providing the kind of food and service people are willing to wait in line for. The success of J.R.’s also showed that it wasn’t just a parking lot that could accommodate tractor trailer trucks or the charm of a falling down building that drew the crowds.

Russell’s daughter, Michele Han, returned to the family business in 2006 and her husband Jim Morgan joined the management team. With the whole family now on-board, Shack Restaurants faced a difficult decision in East Lyme. As talks of development grew more serious and the danger of losing its land-lease loomed, the family decided it was time to leave behind the building that had been a part of their family for 18 years. In July 2007, The Shack Restaurant in East Lyme moved from its well-known ramshackle building to the space formerly occupied by Brooks Pharmacy at the Flanders Four Corners. Despite the change in location, The Shack was able to continue its tradition of packing in the customers and show that they offer delicious food and excellent service in any location.

We hope that your family will join our family for a great meal.  See you soon!