The Ye Olde Ironmaster Restaurant, located at 1319 Lancaster Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania, was a beloved Berks County landmark housed in a historic farmhouse built in the late 1700s by Christian Bechtel. The property, part of a 180-acre homestead bordering the present day Shillington Shopping Center, remained in the Bechtel family until 1938. The original structure, constructed before the turn of the 18th century, was expanded in 1867 by Frederick R. and Esther L. Montgomery, as indicated by a marker near the roof peak. Historian Morton L. Montgomery noted around 1900 that the house was in excellent condition, poised to endure for another century.
Below: Pencil drawing of the property of Frederick R. and Esther Bechtel, Cumru Township, by itinerant folk artist Ferdinand A. Brader.
Below: 1876 Map showing Bechtel family.
In 1963, Ivan A. and Jean E. Cooper purchased the farmhouse and transformed it into Ye Olde Ironmaster Restaurant, celebrating its colonial heritage and the area’s iron foundry history. The restaurant served traditional American cuisine, including prime steaks, ribs, corn fritters with maple syrup, pecan rolls, and homemade desserts like Swiss Chocolate Pie and Southern Pecan Pie. Its colonial charm and quality dining earned it a place in the Mobil Travel Guide for 20 consecutive years, as noted by Ivan Cooper. The Coopers operated the restaurant for over 27 years, preserving the Bechtel farmhouse’s historical significance while making it a cornerstone of Berks County’s dining scene.
Below: Interior of Ye Olde Ironmaster.
In the early 1990s, Robert and Sandy Covatta took over, reopening the restaurant in September 1991 after renovations that retained its historic charm. The Covattas enhanced the ambiance with new decor, including floral draperies, local artwork, and themed dining rooms like the Frontier Room (with cowboy and Indian artifacts) and the Heritage Room (featuring Amish prints and antique farm implements). The menu offered continental and Italian dishes, such as chicken cacciatore, veal Anthony, and pasta Bolognese, alongside a variety of appetizers and seafood options. The Covattas, who also owned Brinton Lodge in Douglassville, emphasized personalized service and creative dining.
In 1997, Samir and Nadia Kheir purchased the restaurant, introducing Egyptian fare to the menu while maintaining its Colonial theme. However, by May 2001, the property was sold to an unidentified developer, and city officials reported plans to demolish the building for a CVS pharmacy. The adjacent Vision Auto Group was given 60 days to vacate, and despite a sign claiming the restaurant was “closed for renovations,” demolition began in November 2001. The historic farmhouse, a piece of Berks County’s architectural and culinary heritage, was reduced to rubble to make way for a 10,880-square-foot CVS store, which opened in June 2002. The new store featured a drive-through pharmacy and a grocery section, operating daily with extended hours.
Below: Ye Olde Ironmaster before and during demolition.
The loss of Ye Olde Ironmaster was mourned as the erasure of a historic and cultural landmark. The Cooper family, in particular, lamented the demolition, noting the restaurant’s role in preserving Berks County’s heritage and their personal history. Despite its physical destruction, the legacy of the Bechtel farmhouse and Ye Olde Ironmaster endures in local memory as a symbol of colonial America and fine dining in Reading.
Below: CVS, 1303 Lancaster Ave.
Were You There?
Did you dine at Ye Olde Ironmaster, or do you have a photo, story, or memory of the Bechtel homestead before its demolition? Share your story to help preserve this irreplaceable part of Berks County history.
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