Our Story | Creed's Seafood & Steaks

Creed’s was named one of the top 5 steak restaurants in Philadelphia!

Take a look at the article here.

Creed’s is the only independently free-standing restaurant in King of Prussia.

CREED’S FREQUENT DINER PROGRAM

$100 back for every 1000 points earned.
Ask your server for details.

ABOUT OUR CHEF

John Talbot is the Executive Chef/Partner of Creed’s Seafood & Steaks and is a graduate of the Philadelphia Restaurant School. His demand for high quality, fresh ingredients, is the foundation of Johns cooking philosophy. Over the last 20 years, John has focused his talent in Contemporary American Cuisine. The fast-paced, creative environment at Creed’s continues to inspire him and drives his passion for food.

A KING OF PRUSSIA INSTITUTION:

The Story Behind Creed’s

Creed’s Seafood and Steaks’ story began over a century ago, in 1897, when the home that it is operated in was built. It was originally the residence of landowner Mary DeHaven, who operated 150 acres of one of the first dairy farms in the area. In 1912, the farm was purchased by Charles W. Bray. Three decades later, the Bray family opened up the first floor of their home as a Dairy Bar—called Brookmead’s Valley Forge Dairy Cottage. This was the beginning of the next 100+ years of operating in supporting the community as a food service establishment, perpetuating genuine hospitality in the comfort of their own home.

Brookmead’s Valley Forge Dairy Cottage, 1940’s

In the early 1950s, the Wilson and Thompson families took over the Maplecroft Farm, encompassing where The Court and The Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall now stand. In 1952, they re-named the cottage to Maplecroft Dairy Bar. This became the local stop for a great lunch, serving hamburgers and ice cream with juke box entertainment. The location of the building on Gulph Road, the main access to Valley Forge Park, made it a convenient stop for those coming and going. Likewise, a convenience for their 17-truck milk business.

In the early 1960s, the home became known as The Betsy Ross Restaurant, serving the best ice cream in town. Fighting to survive the construction of both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. 422, later concepts of the property (late 1960’s – early 1980’s) included the Colony Inn, Prime Rib II and The Sting. (If anyone has any photos of these localities, please let Creed’s staff know!)

Matchbook cover from The Sting, 1974 -1982

In 1982, Jim Creed was helping to run the newly emerging Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau when a hotel-developer friend posed the question: “How would you like to have a restaurant?” With no experience, Mr. Creed and partner, Victor Schmidt (who fancied himself an Austrian baron), opened the posh Baron’s Inne (the “e” for effect) at what was previously The Sting. At the time, they were the only class destination in town, especially for fine dining.

The admired Valley Forge Music Fair, located just minutes from The Baron’s Inne, would attract some of the world’s top performers, such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Kenny Rodgers, among other legendary celebrities, to dine here before or after concerts and theatrical musicals.

The Baron’s Inne was renamed Creed’s Seafood & Steaks as part of a renovation in 2001, and since, Jim Creed has owned and operated this local landmark with the principles of friends, family and home to community. When you arrive, be sure to look up over the front doors to see the original etched glass of The Baron’s Inne.

Exterior of Creed’s Seafood and Steaks, 2001 – Present

In 2000, a young John Talbot joined the culinary team as the sous chef, supporting Chef Joseph Cummins. With a change in direction, John took over the kitchen as Executive Chef/Partner just one year later. With Chef John’s experience and creativity, he elevated the cuisine to its current state, continuing to update the menu and reflecting the institution Creed’s has become. A graduate of the Philadelphia Restaurant School, Executive Chef Talbot’s demand for high quality, fresh ingredients is the foundation of his cooking philosophy. For 20 years, John has focused his talent in Contemporary American Cuisine and believes that the fast-paced, creative environment at Creed’s is what continues to inspire him and influences his passion for fine dining. His culinary repertoire continues to flourish and is the driving factor behind the restaurant’s great success.

Over the last 40 years, as an independently-owned restaurant, Creed’s Seafood and Steaks has become a highly visible ambassador of its local cities and towns. Driven by the desire to provide genuine hospitality, Creed’s culture is one that’s also committed to the community. From its humble beginnings, Creed’s has had a profound impact as “the go-to” for a wide variety of gatherings—social events, business assemblies, political confabs, special occasions and simply, the local watering hole. Creed’s Seafood and Steaks has such a great, loyal customer base after all these years. In Jim Creed’s words, “Everybody refers to this as their Cheers—where everybody knows your name.”

Jim Creed, owner of Creed’s, seated in the main dining room, 2018

in the neighborhood

From historic sites straight out of your textbooks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from world-class shopping centers to unrivaled main streets, there is so much waiting for you right here in our backyard.

ValleY Forge National Historical ParK

1.9 mi

Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The 3,500-acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorate the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation. The park honors and celebrates the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. Valley Forge is a fee-free park open year-round and sees nearly two million visitors annually. Historic structures, monuments, and trails cover the large landscape. Let us help you plan your visit.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

KING Of Prussia Mall

1.2 mi

Featuring a diverse mix of over 450 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Primark and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a collection of luxury retailers unsurpassed in the region, King of Prussia is one of the most iconic malls in the nation. You’ll find offerings for every taste and budget, from luxury to your favorite national and international brand retailers.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

VALLEY FORGE CASINO RESORT

0.6 mi

As the region’s only full-amenity gaming resort, Valley Forge features a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor, live entertainment and an exciting nightlife scene. Every Valley Forge employee is dedicated to a culture of impeccable service that is conceived, nurtured and supported by the theme “The House Is Yours.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT

JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS

3.4 mi

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a living, growing, vibrant classroom for people of all ages. From seed propagation workshops to story time in the Children’s Garden, rhododendron lectures to botanical illustration, yoga practice to beekeeping demonstrations, there is always something new to learn, create, or experience at Jenkins!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT MILL GROVE

3.8 mi

Let your curiosity take flight at the new John James Audubon Center. Connect with nature and discover the world of birds through dynamic exhibits for all ages and learning abilities. Learn about John James Audubon through his art and historic home.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Chanticleer garden

5.3 mi

Within 30 minutes of Philadelphia, Chanticleer is one of the great gardens of the region. Once the Rosengarten estate, today’s Chanticleer is a colorful, contemporary garden within an historic setting. Come discover why London’s Financial Times calls us “planted to perfection” and Garden Design magazine says we are “America’s most inspiring garden.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT

WHARTON ESHERICK MUSEUM

6.0 mi

Tour the unique hilltop studio and residence handcrafted over 40 years ago by Wharton Esherick, plus a collection of his woodwork and sculpture.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

LONGWOOD GARDENS

27.9 mi

One of the world’s great gardens, Longwood’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship. Their Gardens are a living expression of all that our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, found inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful. From the intricate fountain systems to the meticulous gardens to the architectural grandeur, awe-inspiring discoveries await at every turn.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Washington Memorial Chapel

2.0 mi

The Washington Memorial Chapel was built in 1903 as a tribute to George Washington and his service to our country. Inside the chapel, extraordinary stained glass windows bathe the historic setting in colorful light. Carved wooden pews lead to the magnificent altar to highlight your traditional ceremony. Superb acoustics enable your musicians to perform flawlessly, and the photographic opportunities are endless.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH

2.4 mi

The United States National Memorial Arch, located at the intersection of Outerline Drive and Gulph Road, was erected to commemorate the arrival of General George Washington and the Continental Army into Valley Forge.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

WAYne Art Center

4.4 mi

Since 1930, the Wayne Art Center has been the Main Line’s premiere destination for internationally recognized exhibitions and education in fine arts, craft, music, drama and the culinary arts. Dedicated to enriching our community through the arts, the Wayne Art Center offers three distinct types of programs for our students, members and community: Education, Exhibitions and Outreach.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

ELMwood park z00

6.3 mi

Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 when a local farmer transferred 16 acres and a small menagerie to the Borough of Norristown. Today, the zoo is owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood Park Zoo has attained the elite status as one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe. Highlights of the collection include giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas. A number of species in the collection are managed pursuant to an international SSP (Species Survival Plan) These programs aim to maintain and increase the size of animal populations that are under the largest threat of extinction. Other species in the collection represent significant wildlife conservation success stories, such as the American bison, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and American alligator. About two-thirds of the animal collection is on exhibit; many others are maintained separately for use in education programs.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

radnor trail

5.2 mi

The Radnor Trail is a 2.4-mile-long rail trail that travels through Radnor Township in south-eastern Pennsylvania. The former Philadelphia & Western Railroad line is paved and has multiple entry points and parking at the Conestoga Road entry point.