SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Pierre serves community for two decades

By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
   Pierre’s Restaurant on Georges Road has been serving food and the community since 1990 and with its success proves the “American Dream” is still viable today.
   There is a sign that reads “With your support. With our hard work. We build it together.” as patrons enter the deli part of the restaurant, along with newspaper clips, plaques and statues commemorating the services and organizations the owner, Pierre Hage-Boutros, 59, has helped during the 20 years the business has been open.
   ”This country is a blessing to everyone,” Mr. Hage-Boutros, a Lebanese immigrant, said. “Opportunity in the U.S. is better than anywhere else.”
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said there are opportunities are for those who “want to work.”
   ”Always support government, not take from government,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros and his wife, Lada, have five children: Rita, 34, Pierrette, 31, Jamilli, 28, Maria, 27 and Tony, 20; and three grandchildren.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said his family is close and they all work for the business in some capacity.
   The workers at Pierre’s also stay for a long time, Mr. Hage-Boutros said.
   ”We are here for the community; to stay in the community and serve in the community,” Mr. Hage-Butros said.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said he left Lebanon in 1977 for the United States with his wife and daughter to escape war and seek freedom.
   The family came to the United States through the JFK airport in New York where they lived and worked in a church in Brooklyn, Mr. Hage-Boutros said.
   He said he came to the United States “to work and be away from problems.”
   Eventually, Mr. Hage-Boutros moved to New Jersey where he bought a house on Fresh Ponds Road, and on his way to get a permit, he saw the old Butler’s Pharmacy on George’s Road.
   He said it reminded him of his village in Lebanon and talked to Mr. Butler about buying the store, but initially the price was too high.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said that when he passed through five years later, he saw the 1,000 suare-foot store was for sale and purchased it, and then opened a deli at the location.
   As his business grew, he expanded the deli into a restaurant and then a bakery.
   Now, the buildings on the site comprise 40,000 square feet and offer banquet services as well.
   Mr. Hage-Butros attributes his success with the business to his strong belief in God and the ability to work hard for the community.
   He said he “first believes in God,” and that he is lucky his restaurant is next to a church.
   ”We are all brothers and sisters on this Earth,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “Love is the most important thing to flourish.”
   He said that he thinks that “God said to love each other” and that “God doesn’t give a signal to kill.”
   ”I always see people in a good eye,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “We must teach kids to live clean life.”
   He believes people should try and be peaceful.
   Peace makes happiness and “destruction makes sadness.”
   ”Hate is not good,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “I don’t know how to hate.”
   He said comes in at 4 a.m. to work seven days a week and that he never takes days off and always includes his family, friends, community, and church in his life.
   ”I love the people of South Brunswick,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “It’s a pleasure working in this town.”
   He said he serves the community, and that the township is very supportive of him.
   When former President Clinton visited South Brunswick, Mr. Hage-Boutros said he called Congressman Rush Holt (D-12) to see if Mr. Clinton would eat at his restaurant and that Mr. Holt promised he would meet the president.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said he was busy serving food to those accompanying the president in an area of Crossroads South when the president came, but after serving Mr. Clinton’s entourage, he was finally able to go outside .
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said that he then called Mr. Holt who brought the president over and introduced him.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said that Mr. Clinton asked Mr. Hage-Butros to pray for him.
   ”When I get asked by the community, I do,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “I always have a lot of thanks to the people who help me.”
   He said he is successful because he is consistent and that he runs his business on faith and hope backed up by hard work.
   Mr. Hage-Boutros said that he invested his life in his business and made sacrifices, but the outcome has been worth the effort.
   ”I am satisfied with what I did,” Mr. Hage-Boutros said. “It was a joy to work.”