After a long day or work week, the Perkasie Community stays close to home and gathers at The Perk. The Perk is a local establishment that has been around since 1854 but was later turned into the restaurant we know today in the 1970s. The Perk serves comforting, homestyle dishes that are affordable and soul-warming. Working with various sports teams and organizations for the local high school, Pennridge, The Perk prides itself on community history.
The Perk is known for its well-priced food. Pennridge student and Perk busser/food runner Cooper States says customers have a good experience due to the “good food and price.” Even with a new competitor, The Ram, which opened its doors in 2021, The Perk is still the community favorite. PHS teacher Robert Cousineau has a burger named after himself at The Ram, the “CUZ” burger, which has become extremely popular among the PHS students.
Cousineau’s “CUZ” burger has created a wave of students going to The Ram, specifically for the burger. The burger consists of cheddar cheese, bacon, and sauteed onions. However, according to Cousineau, “The one thing it is truly missing is BBQ sauce to truly make it a ‘CUZ’ Burger. It’s a ‘CUZ’ Burger in disguise, and it would be more popular if they added the BBQ sauce.” The Ram designed their menu when Cousineau was already teaching at Pennridge, which is why he has a burger at The Ram and not The Perk. Cousineau continued, “The Perk has a ‘CUZ’ Burger, but it’s called the Carousel Burger… the Perk should change it to the True ‘CUZ’ Burger. I have sent hundreds of people to the Ram eating my burger, and the Perk is missing out on this great financial opportunity.” The key component missing from the “CUZ” burger is the barbeque sauce, which The Perk’s burger has, even though it is not named after him. The Perk once again beat out The Ram.
While The Perk originally opened in 1854 as the South Perkasie Hotel, the original building still pokes through the new construction and allows the town to feel connected to its roots. More than this, Cousineau said, “I do think what is more of a factor is that The Perk has very good food, very consistent food, and it’s at a good price.” This consistency at The Perk is another reason it is chosen over The Ram, where the food comes out differently each time you go.
The Perk also gives back to the community that so lovingly supports them. The Perk is an official sponsor of Pennridge High School and aids Pennridge Athletics with fundraisers held at the restaurant. Connecting to multiple generations, The Perk supports the up-and-coming Pennridge sports by donating portions of their proceeds to fund the teams. The next time you find yourself looking for a place to eat after a long day, settle in with the Perkasie community at The Perk.
Sources:
Perk website
Ram menu
