OUR HISTORY
In the 1800s, a one-room schoolhouse went up on Mountain Road in Montgomery Center
The purpose was to teach the kids from the farms nearby. A century later, the building’s still busy, now with families rolling in to fuel up, satisfied skiers and riders chasing Jay Peak's ledgenary snow, and locals with stories to tell. The Belfry keeps it simple: good food, cold drinks, and a no-nonsense Northern Vermont vibe.
The Belfry isn’t just a spot to eat, it’s part of the town’s DNA. People trade stories about ghosts, movie stars, pro athletes, and the characters who’ve drifted through over the years. Some still work here, some of their kids work here, and a few haven’t given up their claim on a particular barstool. Step inside and you’ll hear something worth repeating.
We’re five miles from the Jet Lot, and exactly where you want to be after a day on the mountain.
Locals, laughter, and a spirit that never needs an excuse to have fun.
We’ve had people work here for the better part of their lives, their kids grow up and come back to join the team, and the same familiar faces walk through the doors for a meal, a drink, and a good conversation for decades. We appreciate the new faces just as much as the old, and every day we try to honor and embody the unmistakable spirit of Montgomery.
Charlee behind the bar,
28 years in between.
Sam Thompson, co-owner
We took ownership of the Belfry in May 2019, not knowing that less than a year later, the world would change. When COVID hit the following March, we faced the challenges head-on—and thanks to this incredible community, we made it through.
For me, the Belfry has always been home. I grew up here, and I started bartending at the Belfry back in 1986 when I was just 18. You could say this place is in my blood.
Dennis comes from a lifelong hockey background. He’s owned his own junior team, runs the rink at Jay, and has always had a passion for bringing people together—on the ice and off. We both spent years working at Jay Peak before deciding to take a leap of faith and buy the Belfry.
I left Jay to be here full-time, while Dennis somehow manages to juggle his work at Jay with being at the Belfry full-time as well. This restaurant is truly a labor of love for both of us.
We’re grateful every day to welcome locals, visitors, and longtime friends through our doors. Thank you for being part of our story—past, present, and future.
Sam, behind the same bar now alongside her husband and the co-owner, Dennis.
