The neighborhood pub featured in NBC’s classic sitcom Cheers was inspired by an actual bar in Boston, but you don’t have to go far to experience a place where glasses are raised, memories are made, and "everybody knows your name."
Harry’s at The Harbor serves up "down-home" hospitality alongside delicious food and drinks—all in an iconic landmark location. The restaurant is tucked inside McKinney’s Adriatica Village, a European-style community complete with cobblestone streets, a bell tower and an island chapel. You can even enjoy a waterfront view from Harry’s award-winning patio.
“It’s like stepping into another world, but it’s home,” says owner Eddie White, who purchased Harry’s when the restaurant’s namesake, Harry Dickhaner, retired six months ago. “I stumbled upon this very unique place and immediately knew Harry had created something special. It’s upscale yet casual, where families and friends can just hang out and connect with each other. After getting to know Harry, I knew I had a calling. Harry and I struck a deal, and I agreed to carry on his legacy.”
Harry’s regulars will attest that the food is great and the view is stunning, but it’s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back. Eddie gives credit to the customers, his team and to his general manager, Alex Scott.
“Harry started something good, but it’s the people that keep it going,” Eddie says. “As GM, Alex shares my passion to execute at the highest level every day. I can’t be there as much as Harry was, but you will usually find Alex there, and we give 110% to ensure we continually up our game. We want to be McKinney’s go-to restaurant.”
Eddie has a lot of experience to draw from. He grew up in Memphis, studied real estate at the University of Texas at Arlington, worked at Bank of America for 20 years, and in 2009 became the first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchisee. He now owns a dozen Fuzzy’s locations throughout Texas. When he’s not busy running restaurants, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Denise, and their two daughters. Eddie and Denise are members of RockPointe Church, and they have a heart for helping children in need and as well as folks who simply need a second chance.
Alex was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia. He and his wife, Jill, moved to Texas eight years ago after their oldest daughter, Anna, was born. They settled in McKinney’s Stonegate neighborhood. They are members of St. Philips Episcopal Church in Frisco, where Jill runs the nursery and teaches, and Alex serves on the Security Team.
“We were blessed with another daughter, Alex, who is now 4,” says Alex, an avid OU fan.
He’s been in the restaurant industry since college, having worked at Ruth’s Chris, Capital Grille and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse. He was at Harry’s for more than two years before Eddie promoted him to GM in May.
“My main focus is always on the guest experience. From the moment you walk in the door until the time you leave, I want to ensure you enjoy the totality of your visit,” he says. “We have lots of groups that meet at Harry’s on a regular basis—book clubs, golf groups and civic organizations. I would like to see us become more involved with our local schools.”
Alex adds that it’s the personal relationships he loves the most.
“Knowing my guests’ names, learning about their lives and their families means a great deal to me. Every day is different and exciting. Just when you think you’ve seen or heard it all, wait five minutes and it will change.”
Eddie agrees.
“Cheers to that,” he says.
Stop into Harry’s for lunch or dinner daily, as well as Sunday brunch.