Willow Springs owner Randy Braun loves using social media to promote the longtime Hagerstown eatery. But since an Aug. 12 post announcing its closure for the foreseeable future due to flooding, communications have been silent.
The 840 sq. ft. building hidden at 453 Teetor Road endured four feet of water that destroyed 18 refrigerators and freezers, stoves, grills and other equipment.
However, the building remained intact and after a thorough cleaning, is ready for its next chapter.
“We changed doors and cleaned and washed [it] several times,” said Braun. After securing a building permit, Braun is eyeing repairs needed for reopening. Braun said there was never a moment that they weren’t going to rebuild.
Willow Springs has a nearly 80-year history in Hagerstown, first operating as a fishing shack. Perfect Circle Co. owners, the Teetor family, used it to host corporate guests. Then in the mid-1950s, Woodrow “Woody” Kutter opened it as a restaurant in tandem with Guy Welliver’s smorgasbord, now Willie & Red’s. Kutter’s eatery became known for its pan-fried chicken and decadent homemade desserts.
“Can’t go many places and order a pumpkin pie in May,” said Braun, describing the full dessert menu that boasts Indiana favorites like sugar cream, coconut and chocolate cream pie.
Ownership transferred to Greg and Peggy LaRosa in the early 90s, who managed it as a robust lunch and dinner spot five days a week. When the LaRosas sought a new owner in 2019, Braun showed interest and happily took over.
Braun, a Hagerstown native, said he has been shaped by these hometown spots, working his first job at Welliver’s from ages 12-18. And since 2002, he’s enjoyed lunch at Willow Springs. As owner of Braun Companies, he treats his employees there daily, along with other businesses such as AutoCar.
“It’s a great place to take a break for an hour,” said Braun.
In addition to its business clientele, the 39-seat diner’s customer base spans three generations of dedicated patrons. He attributes the loyalty to the down-home nature and cuisine.
“It’s always the same, real old-fashioned, homestyle lunches and dinners,” said Braun. His solid crew of nine plan menus a month in advance, including their custom daily specials. They range from baked spaghetti to tacos.
Since the flood, Braun and his staff received an outpouring of support and requests to help. While their floodplain location excluded them from securing insurance, the town waived the permit fee, and the Manchester Group offered a monetary donation. Braun expects some new challenges with replacing equipment, but says they’re fortunate.
“I was able to drive to a clean, dry home,” said Braun, who lives near New Castle. While he doesn’t downplay their situation, he acknowledges other businesses that are facing tougher situations.
Nonetheless, Braun is prepared for the challenge with a goal for a dry run in November and a return to service the next month.
A version of this article will appear in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
