I’m embarrassed to say I grew up in Northumberland County and had never been to The Backdraft in neighboring Westmoreland County until a few weeks ago. Well, I’ve been missing out.
Originally opened by retired firefighter Jay Genest and his wife Annie, The Backdraft was purchased by the restaurant’s longtime manager Leah Lewis in 2022. She’ll celebrate her fourth anniversary as owner this month on July 21.
Lewis worked for the Genests for 19 years, since she was 17...