Ken Burns is, no doubt, a legendary filmmaker, but how many of you knew that he has also co-owns a French bistro-style restaurant, as well as a grocery store in a small New England town?

Burns is more or less a silent partner in these businesses but can be seen at the restaurant several times a month. The quaint and elegant yet casual restaurant features wonderful items like Onion Soup Gratinee, Beef Stew Provencal and Mussels Meuniere. They also source locally whenever possible. The grocery store is a local treasure featuring local organic fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, homemade baked goods, a butcher shop with some of the nicest looking meats you’ll ever see and locally sourced fresh seafood.

Have you guessed these two businesses co-owned by Ken Burns?

They are The Restaurant at Burdick’s and Walpole Grocery, located in the same building at 47 Main St. in downtown Walpole — the charming town in which Ken Burns resides. He collaborated with chocolatier Larry Burdick in 2001 to open the restaurant.

As a wonderful added bonus, L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe is located in between the two businesses. It’s another gem of a small business.

The L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe is the perfect place for incredible handmade chocolates, hot chocolate, coffee, specialty drinks, artisan teas and European-style pastries within a leisurely, hometown cafe setting.

Additional reading
Discovering a classic Vermont inn in a beautiful New England town