Introduction
William Burns ran the Burns Catering Company starting in 1952 and purchased the 225 Littleton Road service station and lunchroom called “Dad and the Boys” at a foreclosure auction in August 1964. The brick building shown above was built in 1965. William operated it as a full-service venue for events and fundraisers known as The Banqueteer. The building underwent a major remodel in 1970. There were about 40 employees in 1975. The lounge opened to the public at 11 a.m. serving lunches and beverages.
Conclusion
In February 1998 William transferred ownership to two of his eight daughters, Roberta Burns and Joann Wynkoop. William stayed on for a time catering and hosting, but on account of his declining health, the sisters sold the property in June 2002 to Kensington at Chelmsford, LLC. They purchased the property with the intention of building apartment complex. This is the Kensington at Chelmsford complex on Google Earth in 2025.
A short Banqueteer feature posted on Facebook in July 2025 elicited many good comments.
Chelmsford Historical Society
Susan Julian Gates – The Democratic Town Committee met there 38 or so years ago. At lunch time they served hamburgers that were like homemade pan-fried burgers. Lots of guys in short sleeve white shirts and ties there on their lunch break. I always will associate The Banqueteer with political fundraisers and platters of tuna and egg salad finger sandwiches
Lynne Hartley – The ‘best’ burger and fries! I used to get the ‘pepper burger’ with onions and a beer for like $5. I think Roberta or Joann still worked there? This would have been 1983 -1991.
Chelmsford News-1
Elaine Rourke – Had my wedding there in 1971… it was a wonderful venue… had big musical notes on the walls! Great food and spacious dance floor! The Gents played lively music …remember them? Lol
Joe Shanahan – Fred, Thanks so much for the memories!! One story to share. Back in the day, the Board of Selectmen voted (3 to 2, thankfully Paul Hart and I were on the right side of that one!) to terminate the long-time and beloved Building Inspector, Peter McHugh. We, and the Town, had a “going away” party for Peter a couple of weeks later at, of course, The Banqueteer. There was a line a mile long for people to get in … and, because of the legal capacity issue, many were turned away. With the huge crowd and people being turned away, two of the Board members who had voted to terminate Peter showed up “to thank him for his service” and they were told, “You’re not welcome here!” The following Monday night, one of those members changed his vote and Peter was returned to his old job!
Doug Sheppo Shepherd – Loved the Red Bull Banqueteer! Lots of liquid lunches there
Bryan Leary – I played softball for the Red Bull in the Chelmsford Softball League. We won the league and had some outstanding players on the team, including the Comeau brothers and the Galvin brothers. Being the oldest on the team, I like to think that I was the stabilizing factor as sometimes the games got so competitive that the young guys needed to cool down. Great times.
Chelmsford News-2
Paul Mcdougall – Every day we would notice several of the teachers from Nashoba Valley technical high school parked at that bar before we went by on our school bus. The good old days.
Kim Cloutier Hill – My whole family had their wedding receptions there. The food was awesome. Not sure what I loved more the ham and turkey or the chicken pie. Billy and his family were good friends with my parents. Miss that place.
Mary Daley – I belonged to the Night Owl Bowling League , and we always had our banquets there. Sure had great times!!!!
Donna Clayton – I worked as a cocktail waitress for functions there earning money for college. Crazy times
Linda McHugh – Had a Jack and Jill wedding shower there in 1971, and, yes, the food was good.
Chicki Rigazio – Saint Mary’s Parish had their annual thank you dinner for all the volunteers. A really fun evening
Karen Spence – My father held his employee parties there every Christmas. Lots of fun.
Growing Up in Chelmsford
Lynne Marshall McSheehy – Went to many fun events at The Banqueteer.
Maureen Kellett – Our mother had her second wedding reception there. I remember is was so smoky I had to go outside because my eyes were burning
Bob LaPorte – Missing Dad and the Boys before the Banqueter
Mark Gagnon – Passed through those doors many times in the 70’s. Great place with Buddy Casey tending bar.
Wendy R. Marshall-Hudzik – My first wedding reception was there. 1976 and it was a wonderful venue! Billy Burns was a nice guy!
Pamela Bowen Sheridan – Memories of the Banqueteer. My friend’s wedding reception was there and my sister’s bridal shower. Back in the 70s.
Michael Richard – It was definitely a family business. Bill Burns was the owner. His brother, wife and 6 kids all worked there.
Patricia Hamblett – We spent many work lunches and functions there. We enjoyed all the times there. Very disappointed when it was over.
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