Hillside 28 Restaurant and Lounge opened on Route 28 in Windham on May 6, 1975. Jennie and Charlie Kusker, the owners of the restaurant, served their homemade Italian meals from 11AM to Midnight on every day except Monday. According to a period advertisement, all food served at Hillside 28 was cooked fresh by Chef Giovannina (Jennie Kusker) with her famous home made Italian sauce. Known for their "special HEROES" ("a meal in every sandwich"), they also served a variety of beer, wine, and "fine cocktails". When the Bicentennial arrived in 1976, the restaurant's menu and advertising got a makeover in the "Spirit of 1776". That year they offered a complete dinner for four people for just $17.76. This dinner included a choice of four entrees: veal or eggplant parmesan; the "seafood special"; baked stuffed clams, shrimp, and shells en casserole; and baked lasagna. The chosen entree was complemented with soup, salad, dessert, and coffee. With a knack for advertising, this was not the only special offered by the Kuskers. Every Sunday children under 12 ate at the restaurant for free; children received a free "Snoopy cocktail" throughout the week; every Wednesday the Hillside offered a two-for-one special advertised to be "within your means." The Hillside 28 Restaurant and Lounge remained open for several years, at least until 1979.