The Student Prince Cafe: A Springfield Landmark Through the Decades

The Student Prince Cafe & The Fort Restaurant, a German restaurant established in 1935, stands as a cherished landmark in Springfield, Massachusetts. Located at the corner of Fort and Main Street in the Metro Center neighborhood, it's often simply called "The Student Prince" or "The Fort" by locals. Its history is intertwined with the city's own, reflecting its cultural shifts, economic fluctuations, and enduring spirit.

From Fort to Restaurant: A Historic Location

The restaurant's story begins long before 1935. The location itself is historically significant, as it sits on the site of John Pynchon's former estate, known as the "Old Fort." Constructed in 1660, this was the first brick building in Springfield. Remarkably, it was the only building to survive the Siege of Springfield during King Philip's War in 1675. Traditional accounts say the first city and county records were kept there, and Commissioner John Pynchon, along with Elizur Holyoke and Deacon Samuel Chapin, held court in its parlor. During the siege, every room was filled with Springfield's residents seeking refuge as the rest of the settlement burned. While the homestead remained in the Pynchon family until it was razed in 1831 for a "more modern edifice" the legacy of the "Old Fort" lives on in the restaurant's name and spirit.

The Birth of a German Tradition

In 1935, a German immigrant named Paul Schoeder opened The Student Prince Cafe and Tap Room. The name was inspired by a popular Broadway operetta of the 1920s, "The Student Prince," which resonated with the local community. Schoeder aimed to cater to the growing German community in Springfield, which had established itself since the 1840s through trades, breweries, bakeries, and a downtown hotel. The restaurant quickly became a gathering place, reminiscent of the German heritage in New England.

Growth and Evolution

The Student Prince began as a modest bar and booth area, adorned with around 20 beer steins. By 1946, a dining room was added, expanding the restaurant's capacity and appeal. In 1949, Rupprecht Scherff joined the establishment, marking the beginning of a new era for The Student Prince.

In 1961, Rupprecht Scherff took over ownership, becoming the heart and soul of the restaurant. Under his leadership, The Student Prince flourished, solidifying its reputation as a local institution. The restaurant's beer stein collection grew to become one of the largest publicly displayed collections in the United States, adding to its unique charm and character.

A Hub for Community and Celebrities

Over the decades, The Student Prince became more than just a restaurant; it became a central part of Springfield's social fabric. It served as a hub for business and politics, hosting power lunches, fundraisers, and deal-making events. Countless families established traditions at The Student Prince, celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and other special occasions within its walls.

The restaurant's reputation spread far beyond Springfield. By the 1960s, it was attracting celebrities such as Lorne Greene from "Bonanza" and even John F. Kennedy.

Challenges and a New Chapter

In the late 1990s and 2000s, The Student Prince faced challenges as Springfield's economy declined. By 2014, Rudi Scherff, Rupprecht's son and co-owner, announced that the restaurant was struggling and might close if new ownership couldn't be found.

This news sparked concern among loyal patrons and city officials. Steve Roberts, a long-time customer, recalled a poignant moment: "There are thousands of families that would have lost this tradition if the Fort had closed."

Fortunately, Peter Picknelly, owner of Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Andy Yee of Bean Group Restaurants, stepped in to save the landmark. They approached the Scherff family with a plan to keep the restaurant open while honoring its legacy.

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A Collaborative Rescue and Restoration

Picknelly and Yee worked with the Scherff family to ensure the restaurant's history and traditions were preserved. As part of the agreement, the Scherff family retained ownership of the memorabilia and artwork, including the extensive stein collection, leasing it back to the restaurant.

The new owners recognized the need for some modernization. The menu was updated, with some traditional dishes remaining alongside new options like salads and vegetarian fare, reflecting changing tastes. However, they understood the importance of maintaining the restaurant's unique atmosphere.

O’Brien, recalling his thoughts as the new owners went about their work, "My biggest concern was about whether they understood the charm, the character, the personality, and the traditions that have been a part of this restaurant for years".

The reopening of The Student Prince under new ownership was a significant event for Springfield. Mayor Domenic Sarno described it as "a huge shot in the arm for the entire city," spreading a "can-do attitude."

Picknelly emphasized the importance of preserving the restaurant's traditions, stating, "There are thousands of families that would have lost this tradition if the Fort had closed. And no matter what we do going forward, that night made it all worthwhile."

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Maintaining the Legacy

The new owners understood the importance of preserving the restaurant's unique character. They worked to maintain the décor, layout, and menu items that customers had come to love.

However, they also recognized the need for some changes. They replaced the sliced bread served before meals with fresh rye rolls from Boston. However, the overwhelming response from customers was to bring back the sliced bread.

Picknelly noted, "In a way, that’s what they are doing with many facets of the restaurant - from the décor to the layout of the bar to the menu items."

A Destination for Generations

Today, The Student Prince continues to thrive as a destination for both longtime patrons and new generations. The restaurant offers a wide selection of German beers on tap, along with domestic craft brews. The menu features classic German dishes, such as schnitzels, bratwurst, and potato pancakes, as well as lighter fare like salads and Boston scrod.

The restaurant's Christmas celebration is a particularly popular event, featuring special desserts, festive decorations, and sing-alongs with the Famous Fort Carolers.

General Manager John Perry, who has been with the restaurant for many years, notes, "Everyone I see here is a regular. And now we’ve got ‘Old Fort’ and ‘New Fort.’ A younger generation is coming in that embrace the 86-year tradition, and we’re ecstatic they’re here."

A Living Museum

The Student Prince is more than just a restaurant; it's a living museum, filled with memorabilia and artifacts that tell the story of its rich history. The walls are adorned with portraits and photos of former regulars, decorative plates with German scenes, animal antlers, stained-glass panels, and, of course, the extensive beer stein collection.

Perry describes the restaurant as "the curators of the museum," emphasizing the importance of preserving its unique character and history.

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