It has been said that the only way to make a million dollars in the restaurant business is to spend 2 million dollars.  While this may not exactly be true, there is no doubt that running a restaurant is hard work.  They seem to be opening and closing faster than we can get to them, but there are some establishments in Vermont that have certainly avoided an early closure.  Surely they have to be doing something right!  Let's take a look at some old restaurants in Vermont that are still in their glory days after many, many years.

By no means is this a complete list, so please share other restaurants in Vermont that have withstood the passage of time.

1. Ye Olde Tavern - 5183 Main Street, Rte 7A, Manchester

Listed on the Vermont Register of Historic Places, Ye Olde Tavern was built in 1790, making it one of the oldest continually operating inn in the state of Vermont. The dishes served here are remain exceptional, and if you're looking for something really decadent, try their famous Naughty Milk Chocolate for dessert.

2. Miss Lyndonville Diner - 686 Broad Street, Lyndonville

This diner originally opened in 1951, and current owner Janey Gray recently celebrated 35 years of ownership. Gray insists that the restaurant is still in its prime, and boy do we agree. Along with great breakfasts and lunches, you'll also find the friendliest customers you'll ever meet!

3. Dining Room at Trapp Family Lodge - 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe

Whether or not you've seen The Sound Of Music, you'll love dining at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. In addition to their European restaurant, you'll find an on-site bakery, lounge, brewery, and the Slayton Pasture Cabin for lunch. Since opening the lodge in 1983, management has stayed within the Von Trapp family and has indeed maintained their reputation for excellence.

4. Simon Pearce - The Mill at Quechee, 1760 Main Street, Quechee

In 1983, Simon Pearce and his wife, Pia, opened the Glassblower's Cafe at the mill, and the restaurant soon expanded. Today the restaurant, which is known for it's delicious farm to table menu dishes, is one of the most popular, beloved and arguably the hardest to get a table in Vermont. But it's worth it!

5. Al’s French Frys - 1251 Williston Road, South Burlington

Al's fries opened in the 1940's and quickly became a staple in the Burlington food scene for it's quick and easy grub, notably their out of this world french fries. Now, decades later, Al's is still a family favorite where patrons keep coming back to the 50s style diner for more.

6. The Common Man - 3209 German Flats Road, Sugarbush, Warren

You can expect some uncommonly good food at The Common Man in Warren. Since the original owners, the Orsini family, opened their doors in the 1960s, this has been a popular place for locals, visitors, and skiers to gather for a quality Vermont dining experience. Now in its fourth generation of operation, The Common Man continues to re-energize this Vermont dining institution with small town hospitality and world class cuisine.

7. Ransom Bay Inn Bed & Breakfast - Center Bay Road, Alburgh

Whether you stop for dinner, or enjoy the overnight accommodations, the Ransom Bay Inn will transport you into the past in their historic (circa 1795) building. Wonderful food, intimate setting and surroundings that will give you a sense of the past, as this place has been around for a long time.

8. The Grafton Inn - 92 Main Street, Grafton

You will savor the farm to table dishes at the Grafton Inn, which first opened its doors in 1801. You won't soon forget the fresh, local flavors served up in a warm atmosphere by the friendly and knowledgeable staff.

9. Leunig’s Bistro - 115 Church Street, Burlington

Leunigs Bistro is a French bistro & bar and one of the oldest, continually operating restaurants in downtown Burlington. Serving lunch, brunch and dinner right on picturesque Church Street Marketplace, Leunigs offers some the best people watching and live music in the area.

10. Dorset Inn - 8 Church Street, Dorset

For more than 219 years, The Dorset Inn has offered traditional New England hospitality including gourmet dining, fine wine &

great spirits. These trademarks of a quintessential Vermont experience are just a few reasons why The Dorset Inn continues to thrive.

11. Miss Bellows Falls Diner - 90 Rockingham Street, Bellows Falls

Built in the 1920s by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, Vermont's only surviving barrel-roofed diner was moved here from Massachusetts in 1942. You've got to love a place that serves delicious breakfasts all day!

12. Choices Restaurant & Rotisserie - 2820 Killington Road, Killington

Choices, Killington's oldest chef owned restaurant recently celebrated it's 28th anniversary. The 60-item menu and daily specials offer a wide variety of "choices," from nachos to escargot, and from burgers to Rack of Lamb, and all dishes are out of this world. We expect to see great things for another 28 years... at least!

What is your favorite old restaurant in Vermont?  Like this post to cheer on these hard working establishments.  Everyone needs an "at a boy" every now and again!