2023 Summer Valparaiso Magazine

SUMMER 2023 

VOL. 23 ISSUE 3 

George Djurovic 

MAIN + LINCOLN 

VALPO DINING

We work hard 

for hardworking 

people. 

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302 Silhavy Rd. | Valparaiso | (219) 307-6119 | pmcginley@tcunet.com 

Visit everwisecu.com for a complete list of Everwise Credit Union Locations. 

Teachers Credit Union is now 

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SUMMER 2023 

CONTENTS 

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS 

PAGE 18 

VALPO DINING 

CHAMBER FOCUS 

>> Salute To Leadership 

PAGE 20 

MEMBER INVESTOR 

ANNIVERSARIES 

PAGE 22 

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

>> New Board-Approved Members 

PAGE 26 

AROUND TOWN 

>> Local Business News 

PAGE 30 

VALPO VIEWFINDER 

>> The Taste of Nostalgia 

PAGE 34 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

PAGE 37 

MAIN + 

LINCOLN 

PAGE 4 

DON QUIJOTE 

RESTAURANT 

PAGE 8 

LINCOLN 

FLATS 

PAGE 11 

THE LINCOLN 

KITCHEN 

PAGE 14 

PIKK'S 

TAVERN 

PAGE 17 

A FINAL WORD 

>> A Key To Downtown Valparaiso 

Stability and Strength 

PAGE 38 

Valparaiso Magazine circulates 18,000 copies per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, 46384, and 46385 zip codes. 

A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

162 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 

Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710 

info@valpochamber.org 

www.valpochamber.org 

GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Rex G. Richards, CCE, President 

Vanessa Brown, Executive Vice President, Economic Development & Operations 

Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications 

Christine Pazdur, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 

Sue Stymiest, Resource Director 

Brie Zacharias, Vice President, Sales & Marketing 

VALPARAISO MAGAZINE 

PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE 

EDITOR Kurt Gillins 

SALES Brie Zacharias 

FEATURE WRITING AND PRE-PRODUCTION 

JCMA Marketing + Technology 

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 

Kre-Eight Design Marketing 

COVER/FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 

PRINTING Schumann Printers, Inc. 

MAILING Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 

call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Brie 

or brie@valpochamber.org 

ValpoChamber.org

CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | MAIN + LINCOLN 

George Djurovic and staff, 

Main + Lincoln 

COOKING UP 

MAIN + LINCOLN SERVES A UNIQUE BLEND 

OF VARIOUS EXPERIENCES TO VALPARAISO. 

By Haleigh Vander Vinne 

eorge Djurovic, chef and co-owner 

of Main + Lincoln, was in the kitchen, 

cutting an entire salmon when I 

arrived to interview him. Known 

for his extensive background in 

cuisine, dating back to 1997 -- from 

attending Le Cordon Bleu, a renown 

culinary school in Paris, to working 

at Le Bernardin in New York City, one of 

the original Michelin Guide’s three-star 

restaurants -- I expected him to be in a 

pristine chef’s outfit but instead, he was 

wearing jeans and a simple apron, prepping 

an entire salmon. “Cutting this fish is very 

much representative of what we do with 

everything here, which is to say everything 

comes in this fresh state,” said Djurovic. 

One Meal Inspired 

a Lifelong Passion 

When asked what his most memorable meal 

was, Djurovic laughed. He has loved and 

4 SUMMER 2023 | 

experienced so much diverse cuisine that it 

was tough to choose just one, but he settled 

on the night that sparked his passion. “I 

think one meal that comes to mind that got 

me excited about fine dining and cuisine 

was my senior prom dinner at a restaurant 

called the Everest Room in Chicago,” 

said Djurovic. He painted a picture of 

an incredible formal dining room, large 

windows facing west for a famous sunset 

view, new foods to taste such as raw tuna 

and rabbit, and waiters taking care of them. 

“It was really special and after that, I knew 

this is what I want to do,” added Djurovic. 

How to Make Cooking 

at Home Equally as 

Special as Going Out 

Many people veer towards going out to eat 

versus cooking at home. “The main reason 

I think that people don’t cook at home is 

the chore involved in it,” said Djurovic. Why 

bother with going to the grocery store, 

prepping, and cooking the food, then 

cleaning the dishes afterwards when you can 

just go to a restaurant? To help make cooking 

at home a special experience, Djurovic used 

his exposure to restaurants in Chicago, New 

York, and Paris to open a grocery store. “I 

could take all the things that I learned how to 

do in all these wonderful restaurants and then 

apply it to cooking at home,” said Djurovic. 

“That’s really what I love, knowing that I’ve 

helped people in the cooking process,” 

continued Djurovic. His advice to make 

cooking at home less of a chore: Clean while 

you cook. And he practices what he preaches. 

There was not a sliver of excess salmon on his 

worktable during our interview. 

What New American 

Cuisine Means 

Djurovic, a Valparaiso native, returned home 

at a fortuitous time to become co-owner 

and chef at Main + Lincoln. Drawing from 

his influences and experiences, he blends 

cuisines – American, Mexican, Asian, and 

others – to represent America’s diverse 

history as the melting pot. He calls it “new 

American cuisine”.

Season and mood influences Main + Lincoln’s menu. “We all 

collaborate here, bounce ideas off of one another,” added Djurovic. 

They pull from what their parents and grandparents have made, places 

they have eaten recently, or their favorite meals growing up. “Those 

conversations take place all the time. From that, we curate the menu,” 

said Djurovic. He defined new American cuisine as “a combination of 

all the people who’ve come here and brought all the food they grew 

up with,” further adding that America’s cuisine is “truly a melting pot”. 

The Melting Pot in the Heart of Valparaiso 

Restaurants bring a sense of escapism and theater to Valparaiso, 

attracting visitors from surrounding areas, continually mixing the 

melting pot of cuisine. Main + Lincoln adds another dining experience 

to Valparaiso, one that is sincere and wholesome. “We’re very much 

dictated by the idea ‘Would we serve this to our grandma?’” said 

Djurovic. “I don’t know how many other restaurants are cutting whole 

salmon,” chuckled Djurovic. 

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| ValpoChamber.org 5

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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | DON QUIJOTE RESTAURANT 

A TASTE OF SPAIN: 

Carlos Rivero and Elana Jambrina, 

Don Quijote Restaurant 

INSPIRED BY HIS FAMILY’S PASSIONS, CARLOS RIVERO NURTURED HIS 

DREAM OF OPENING A RESTAURANT SINCE HIS CHILDHOOD IN SPAIN. 

By Katie Bieber 


icture a small coastal city with busy shipyards, fishing 

ports, and a backdrop of lush green mountains. Situated 

along the Atlantic coast, with a humid oceanic climate and 

frequent rain, the weather is comparable to Seattle. This 

is Pontevedra, located in Spain's northern region of Galicia, 

where Carlos Rivero was born. 

"My love for the kitchen started with my dad," said Rivero. His father, 

a chef on a Norwegian ocean liner, often spent 8-9 months at sea, 

and would travel to far off locations like New York and Argentina. A 

beloved local chef, townspeople would postpone weddings and other 

big celebrations for when his father would return. Rivero would tag 

along to these events, watching and helping his father prepare meals. 

"I remember the things he taught me, how he explained things to me, 

and the older I get, my mind goes back to those days," said Rivero. 

Rivero describes his late father as "very calm and mild," however 

his mother, a formidable five feet tall, had "a lot of passion for life, 

a lot of energy. The complete opposite of my dad. But I think this 

combination of them both is where I learned the passion I have right 

now," reflected Rivero. 

While his father was away, Rivero's mother took care of the family farm 

growing things like kale, cabbage, green beans, broccoli, and with the 

warmth of summer sun, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The rich terrain 

and climate of Pontevedra makes it possible to grow crops year-round. 

She also took care of chickens, turkeys, and lambs and on Saturdays, 

would sell the produce and animals she had tended to so thoughtfully. 

Being surrounded by fresh ingredients influenced Rivero’s cuisine 

choices as he moved into his career as a restauranteur. 

A Dream Realized 

At the age of 11, Rivero moved to Madrid where his brothers owned 

restaurants. After finishing his schooling, he began working there fulltime. 

It was in Madrid where Rivero met and fell in love with his wife 

Carol. "It was love at first sight," said Rivero with a warm smile. Carol 

was an American teacher, originally from Gary, Indiana, and the two 

would eventually move to the states together in 1972. Rivero found a 

job working at the Inland Steel Mill, where he would spend the next 

30 years. 

But in 1985, while still working at the steel mill, he was finally able to 

open Don Quijote – the restaurant he had always dreamed of, one that 

would introduce Americans to the rich cuisine of his native Spanish 

roots. His menu, which largely remains the same as when Rivero first 

opened, includes dishes from every region of Spain. Dedicated to fresh 

ingredients, Rivero grows produce on an acre-and-a-half of his own 

land to provide to the Don Quijote kitchen. 

His menu also features three iconic dishes and a drink that are true 

representations of Spanish cuisine: gazpacho, paella, sangria, and flan. 

The Don Quijote recipe for flan comes from Rivero's Business Partner, 

Assistant Chef and Business Manager, Elena Jambrina. Also a native

of northern Spain, Jambrina came to the United States in 1980 

and joined Rivero at Don Quijote as a dessert chef in 1985. She 

credits her love of desserts to her childhood. “I used to tag along 

with my grandmother and my mom, and that’s where I got my 

sweet tooth, and why I love to make, (and eat) desserts so much,” 

said Jambrina with a smile. Jambrina’s talents are an integral 

part of the Don Quijote restaurant experience. 

Helping Others Reach their Dreams 

These days Rivero comes to work primarily for pleasure. He 

still loves cooking and being with his customers, but perhaps 

his greatest passion in this chapter of his life is helping his 

community. From supporting local organizations like VNA Meals 

on Wheels and Hilltop Neighborhood House, to establishing his 

own scholarship fund for students, Rivero feels strongly about 

giving back. "I'm working because I want to keep doing things 

for the people that live in Valparaiso. That is my passion right 

now. And that is why I keep staying in business,” said Rivero. 

In Spain, most meals are meant to be shared. This sentiment 

permeates everything Carlos Rivero does. Through Don 

Quijote, he shares his love of Spanish cuisine, now a downtown 

Valparaiso fixture. But perhaps even more poignant is how 

Rivero continues to share his passion and love to support the 

Valparaiso community. 

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| ValpoChamber.org 9

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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | LINCOLN FLATS >> 

Head Chef, Aaron Kujawa (far left); 

Owners, Dr. Steven and Jill Buck (front); 

and staff, Lincoln Flats 

By Sean Hay 

FROM DISHWASHER TO AWARD-WINNING HEAD CHEF AT 

LINCOLN FLATS, THERE’S NO SITTING STILL FOR AARON KUJAWA. 

aron Kujawa isn't one to boast. 

When you ask about his background 

and what he brings to the 

table (pun intended) as Lincoln 

Flats' head chef, you can almost feel 

him shrug as he talks, as though it's 

no big deal. 

"I worked at Strongbow Inn for about 15 years. 

No formal training, just the school of hard 

knocks from the ground up, you know – started 

off as a dishwasher, prep cook, line cook, banquet 

chef, sous chef," he says. 

Of course, that IS kind of a big deal, since Kujawa 

trained under Valparaiso legend and Culinary 

Institute of America-educated chef Russ 

Adams, owner of long-time Valparaiso institution 

Strongbow Inn. Adams consulted with 

owner Stephen Buck on Lincoln Flats’ concept, 

and his presence also helped bring Kujawa on 

board as head chef. 

“The first time I asked Aaron if he wanted to 

work for me, he said no,” chuckled Buck. “I 

know he thought, ‘This is some crazy doctor 

who thinks he’s going to play restaurant.’ But 

when he found out that I had hired Russ Adams 

to give me a hand, he reconsidered.” 

Far from standing in the shadow of his Strongbow 

mentor, though, Kujawa has stepped out 

and made a mark of his own during his five 

years as Lincoln Flats' head chef. 

“What I love is an honest home cooked meal 

that somebody has put their heart and love 

into,” said Kujawa. 

You don’t have to look any further than Lincoln 

Flats’ menu to see this philosophy brought to 

life. Pork schnitzel, a double bone-in pork chop 

and a meatloaf feature are consistently popular 

with patrons, and during warmer weather, 

the poke bowl and weekly salmon features are 

go-to’s. 

With a menu that rotates two to three times per 

year, Kujawa makes sure that the team is keeping 

things fresh. “You want to try to do something 

different, not follow the beaten path all 

the time,” he says. “My staff and I bounce ideas 

off each other so everyone has their hand in 

the pot. We all get a sense of ownership in 

what we do.” 

Kujawa has also been recognized for his culinary 

skills on a regional level. During 2019's 

Chefs of Steel competition, sponsored by The 

Times of Northwest Indiana, Kujawa was one 

of just 15 chefs from across Lake, Porter and 

La Porte counties invited to compete. He and 

his signature grilled elk chops with blackberry 

maple drizzle made it into the top three. The 

elk chops are a consistent favorite at the restaurant 

too. “Regular customers ask for it, and 

we still do it as a special about once a quarter," 

said Buck. 

Taking a Cue from Valparaiso’s 

Commitment to Innovation 

Kujawa, Buck and his wife Jill are all lifelong 

Valparaiso residents, and the team makes it a 

point to follow the lead of the community that’s 

given them so much. 

“I can't think of another community that's 

warmer and more eager to try new things, you 

know? And that's kind of where we're at. We're 

always trying something new. I mean, even 

if it's just something as simple as the way we 

serve our Manhattan,” said Buck. 

It’s not as simple as that, though. From a unique 

Argon draft system that can keep a bottle of 

wine fresh for 21 days to collaborations with 

18th St. Distillery and Journeyman with whiskey 

aged in cabernet casks, the idea of sitting 

still is not in Lincoln Flats’ DNA. 

When asked for a little advice for those aspiring 

chefs looking to find their way, Kujawa’s 

guidance could not be any more on brand: 

“Keep just chopping.” 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 11

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ValpoChamber.org 13

CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | THE LINCOLN KITCHEN 

RESTAURANT 

DELIVERY 

Eric Berindei, and his 

daughter Ellie Berindei 

serve a customer at 

The Lincoln Kitchen 

LINCOLN KITCHEN IS THE FIRST AND ONLY GHOST KITCHEN IN VALPARAISO. 

By Haleigh Vander Vinne 


f you think about it, nearly every mall has a 

food court. An assortment of restaurants circle 

around a large seating area. The shoppers have the 

option to choose from any of the restaurants and meet in 

the middle to dine. Now, picture a food court but with one 

register, one location, and several options for delivery and 

pick up. That’s what Lincoln Kitchen is, the first and 

only ghost kitchen in Valparaiso. 

A Virtual Food Court 

Owner Eric Berindei describes Lincoln Kitchen as a “virtual food court” 

where you can order online or at their location on 704 Silhavy Road 

and choose from nearly 15 different restaurants to be picked up or 

delivered. “It’s a good place to go if you or someone else can’t decide 

on one type of food or one restaurant,” said Berindei. Lincoln Kitchen 

offers cheesecakes from Maurices Signature Cheesecakes, tacos and 

burritos from Tony’s Tacos, burgers from Big D’s Eats, Holmeboy’s hot 

dogs, and Bao’s egg rolls and potstickers; it is also home to Jennylynn’s 

Gluten Free Kitchen, Phat Wraps, The Melt, The A.M. Cafe, Wow Bao, 

Bobalicious, and Trailer Birds. 

Perfect Spot for Startup Restaurants to Grow 

Lincoln Kitchen adds a community-invested kitchen to Valparaiso that 

encourages startups to open a restaurant and local, regional, and 

national restaurants to add a new location. Providing five rentable 

kitchens, shared fridge and freezer, and a physical location, Lincoln 

Kitchen lays the groundwork for restaurants to flourish without 

spending money on a brick-and-mortar storefront. The restaurants 

operate in fully functional kitchens with everything they need to cook 

food, create recipes, and experiment with flavors. “Nearly every day 

someone is trying something new or figuring out what they can add to 

their menu, a new item for a weekly special, or can they try and cook 

something a little different than they normally do,” described Berindei. 

What Inspired Berindei to Switch 

from Trading to Food Delivery? 

One day, Berindei was hungry at home, but wanted to enjoy his meal 

without leaving his house. Because Door Dash and Uber Eats had yet to 

become commonplace in Northwest Indiana at the time, Berindei got 

creative. “I had an Uber driver's number saved in my phone. I called and 

asked him, ‘If we order food online, would you bring it to us?’ and they 

did,” explained Berindei. The next day, Berindei’s wheels were spinning 

on how he could fulfill the region’s need for food delivery. The answer: 

start a restaurant delivery service. And so, Delivery.com was born. 

He believed he could handle the day-to-day operations of running a 

food delivery service while keeping his full-time trading job. “The 

business became much more involved than that. I wanted to see it 

through, so I committed full time to it,” commented Berindei. Always 

looking for the next exciting venture, Berindei learned about ghost

kitchens from a friend who worked in a couple locations in California. 

Berindei spent time in California with his daughter Ellie to research 

how to run a ghost kitchen and what could work in Valparaiso. In 2022, 

Lincoln Kitchen took shape. 

Advice from a Fellow Startup 

Lincoln Kitchen is the first of its kind in Valparaiso. It creates a 

supportive, nurturing environment for startup restaurants to make 

something of themselves. Valparaiso’s ghost kitchen gives restaurants 

what they need to take an idea and run with it, much like how Berindei 

pursued his restaurant delivery service. We asked what his advice for 

startups would be. “Every day feels like a new adventure in itself. When 

it gets hard, keep completing the small things you have to get done 

everyday. They will add up. Stay consistent and keep pushing through 

to what you are working to accomplish. It’s definitely not easy, but is 

rewarding,” answered Berindei. 

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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | PIKK'S TAVERN >> 

Two men stand 

in front Horn's 

Quality Market 

next to a truck 

in 1922. Photo 

from Indiana 

Album, Inc. 

(pastperfectonline.com) 

Beto Olivares, Paul LoDuca 

and Jose Luis Olivares stand in 

front of Pikk’s Tavern, present day. 

By Katie Bieber 

ake a step back in time and savor 

rich Valparaiso history when 

you enter Pikk's Tavern in downtown 

Valparaiso. Built in 1921, the building 

was originally home to Horn's Quality 

Market, a local butcher shop. An examination 

of the outside of the building reveals 

an oxidized copper cornice, emblazoned 

with "Horn's Block" in raised letters, 

an homage to what it once was. A parapet 

with a limestone tablet reading 1921 still 

stands tall amongst the other downtown 

buildings lining Lincolnway. 

Inside, owner Paul LoDuca has maintained 

the building's beautiful, and original, historical 

accents from floor to ceiling including terrazzo 

floors, brick walls and a tin ceiling. The 

bar on the main floor was purchased from 

an Elks Club in East Chicago, also originally 

built in the 1920s, which adds to the overall 

charm. A stroll down to the lower level reveals 

sturdy steel beams, and a small room 

that was once used to smoke meat, char still 

covering the walls. 

From Dishwasher to 

Critically Acclaimed 

Restaurant Group Owner 

LoDuca's humble beginnings as a dishwasher 

and busser began at his father's restaurant 

Giovanni's in Munster. Finding passion for 

the industry at an early age, he decided to 

attend culinary school at Johnson & Wales 

College in Rhode Island. Ultimately returning 

home, LoDuca embarked on a new chapter in 

Chicago. After working for others, he would 

eventually open his first restaurant in Chicago 

called VINCI on Halsted in 1991. Finding success, 

he opened a second restaurant in Chicago 

called Adobo Grill in 2000. His expanded 

culinary repertoire led to the creation of his 

restaurant group daVinci. 

SERVED WITH A 

PIKK'S TAVERN OWNER EMBRACES THE RICH 

HISTORY OF AN HISTORIC VALPARAISO BUILDING. 

Inspired by then Mayor Costas' vision for the 

area, LoDuca moved his family to Valparaiso 

in 2002. Upon learning that 62 Lincolnway 

was for sale, he bought the building and was 

able to procure one of Valpo’s downtown 

historic district liquor licenses. Pikk's Tavern 

opened in June 2007. "It has really worked 

for us. Even though it's a small community, 

there's a huge dining scene and an appetite 

for dining," reflected LoDuca. 

A Name Inspired by Family, 

Food That Makes You 

Feel at Home 

You may have wondered what's behind the 

name Pikk's Tavern. "It's the first initial of everybody 

in our family. Obviously, I'm P, my 

wife is Kathy. I have a daughter Karli and a 

daughter Isabel. So, it's all of us together." 

This familial foundation can be felt in Pikk’s 

classic dishes: steaks, fish and chips, and the 

Tavern Burger, all served in a comfortable 

and cozy setting. And for those who desire 

a longer stay, Pikk's Inn is conveniently located 

above the tavern. Its two guest rooms 

are furnished with antique furniture and 

modern amenities. 

When asked what the future looks like, Lo- 

Duca answered with calm confidence. "VIN- 

CI has been around for 32 years, Adobo 23 

years, and Pikk's is going on 18 years. So, 

we're the tortoise, we're going to keep chugging 

along. Some places come and are hot for 

a while, but then they're gone. We're still going 

to be around," concluded LoDuca. 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 17

BUSINESS 

>> BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS 

SNAPSHOTS 

This issue of Valparaiso Magazine is all about local restaurants. In addition to the businesses highlighted in feature 

stories on the preceding pages, we'd like to recognize the many other Valpo Chamber Member Restaurants. 

AJ’s Pizza Company 

Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2010 

Applebee’s 


Ben’s Soft Pretzels 


Blackbird Café 


Blue Point Oysters 

& Sushi Bar 


Brick Street Burrito 


Burgerhaus 


Chick-fil-A at 



Crumbl Cookies 


Culver’s of Valparaiso 


Dish Restaurant 


El Salto 


Furin Japanese 

Restaurant 


Geitonia Greek Grill 

Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2023 

Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria 


Hungry Howie’s 


Industrial Revolution 

Eatery & Grille 


J & J’s Pizza Shack of 

Valparaiso, Inc. 


Jimmy John’s 

Gourmet Sandwiches 


Journeyman Distillery 


Kelsey's 


Le Peep Restaurant 


Martinis 


McAlister’s Deli 


McDonald’s 


Paréa 


Parlor Doughnuts 

Valpo 


Patrick’s Grille 


Peddlers Pizza Pub 


Radius 


Ricochet 


Santo Taco 


Schoop’s Hamburgers 


Suzie’s Café & 

Catering, Inc. 


Trailyard 


Valpo Velvet Shoppe 


Veleros Restaurant 


Viking Chili Bowl 


Find information about each of these restaurants at web.valpochamber.org/restaurants 

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CHAMBER 

>> CHAMBER FOCUS | SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP 

FOCUS Salute 

By Darlene McCarty Cohn 

Once a year, the Valpo Chamber recognizes the accomplishments of business leaders who embody a spirit of selfless dedication to the 

community. This year, Rob Thorgren, President of Thorgren Tool and Molding, will receive the 2023 Distinguished Community Leader 

award. Steve and Pat Ingram, retired owners of Valuation Services, will receive the 2023 Legacy of Service award. The recipients of 

both these awards were nominated by their peers. These award recipients are indispensable assets to the Valparaiso community. Our 

city and its people are better for their spirit of giving and selflessness. We thank them for their dedication and are pleased to honor 

their service with these awards. 

ROB THORGREN 

The Distinguished Community Leader Award is 

the highest recognition the Chamber confers on 

an individual member of the business community. 

Recipients have demonstrated leadership, active 

involvement in the greater Valparaiso business 

community, reputation among business leaders, 

success in promoting business and industry 

development, overall contribution to the community 

and its quality of life, and professional activities. 

Rob Thorgren was born and raised in Valparaiso. He 

attended Indiana University in Bloomington. After 

graduating, he returned to Valpo, taking what he 

believed would be a temporary job in the family 

company, Thorgren Tool and Molding, which his greatgrandfather 

founded in 1946. He stayed, however, 

and is pleased to now be the 4th generation President 

of the company. Thorgren married his high-school 

sweetheart Natalie, who is a teacher with Valparaiso 

Community Schools. They are proudly raising their 

family in Valparaiso. He says, “We love Valpo. It’s our 

home. We take a lot of pride in living here.” 

Thorgren is known for his generosity of time and 

resources. Among his most beloved projects was the 

renovation of ValPLAYso in 2014, which he loved for 

the community effort as much as for the final result. 

“Working on the ValPLAYso project was near and 

dear to my heart. We had 3000 volunteers come and 

work together for a week. Very seldom do you see a 

community come together like that and accomplish 

something. What a great display of camaraderie for 

our community.” 

Thorgren also, along with Ric Urschel of Urschel 

Industries, led the Supporters of Valparaiso 

Community Schools committee, which campaigned 

for the passage of the recent school referendums. 

He says the referendums made sure the schools had 

the funding they needed to “keep pace with the rest 

of the state schools. The schools are really the pillar of 

your community.” 

2023 Distinguished Community Leader 

Other projects Thorgren has been involved with 

include being the Construction Committee 

Manager for the construction of the new YMCA, 

as well as leading capital campaigns, most recently 

for the construction of the new Boys & Girls Club. 

Thorgren credits his family, especially his father, 

for teaching him the value of community service. 

“My family was always involved in the 

community, and they taught us at a 

young age to get involved and give 

back. My dad always said, ‘Be 

a good citizen.’” Thorgren is 

passing the same values onto 

his own sons, teaching them 

that service, like sports, is all 

about “effort and attitude.” 

He says, “I feel that 

everybody in Valpo 

has the ability to give in 

one way shape or form. 

If it’s not with their 

pocketbook it’s with 

their hands. That’s how 

we were raised.” 

Thorgren says receiving 

this award is “very kind 

and very humbling. I’ve 

just surrounded myself 

with good people over 

the years. I had some 

really good mentors in the 

way of philanthropy and 

things of that nature. I 

should give credit to those 

folks. I’m just following in 

their footsteps and trying to 

accomplish the same things that 

they had done for years.” 


to Leadership 

STEVE AND PAT INGRAM 

The Legacy of Service Award recognizes 

individuals in the community who, over time 

or under extraordinary circumstances, have 

given service to the community above and 

beyond what is expected in their profession. 

Recipients have created a legacy of 

community service and serve as an example 

for others to emulate. 

2023 Legacy of Service 

Steve and Pat Ingram moved to Valparaiso 

from Fort Wayne in 1987, and immediately 

felt at home. Pat describes finding it “very 

warm and family friendly with good schools.” 

They began working with Valuation Services 

in 1991 and purchased the business in 1999. 

While the Ingrams are now retired, their son 

took over the family business and continues 

to run it today. They have three children and 

4 grandchildren. 

Both the Ingrams are active members of the 

philanthropic community and devoted to 

service. Steve is an International Trustee with 

the International Kiwanis Club and both are 

longtime members of the Valparaiso Noon 

Kiwanis Club – the third largest Kiwanis club in 

the world. The events they participate in with 

Kiwanis benefit kids all over the globe. The 

Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis sponsors an annual 

Pancake Breakfast in Spring, a Corn Roast in 

the late summer, and a Beer Tent at Popcorn 

Fest. Proceeds from all these events benefit 

many local charities as well as Riley Hospital 

for Children. Steve volunteers at Riley once a 

month, “one of my favorite places to help.” 

Steve has worked building houses with 

Habitat for Humanity. He has also given his 

time to the Construction Trades students 

at the Porter County Career and Technical 

Education Center, including the project 

to move the old train depot. Pat was a Girl 

Scout leader for 13 years and takes pride 

in watching her “girls” become successful 

women with families of their own. Both also 

volunteer at St. Teresa of Avila in Valparaiso. 

The Ingrams believe community service is 

a group effort. Pat says, “It’s not just one or 

two people; it’s a community. Everything we 

participate in has to be done with a group 

or it wouldn’t get done.” Steve says his 

philosophy is to “Be prepared for 

opportunity,” a sentiment which 

has informed his involvement 

in Valparaiso. Pat says 

she believes, “If you want 

something done, ask the 

busy people.” Both stay 

very busy themselves and 

seize opportunities to help 

whenever they can. 

Both believe Valparaiso is 

a special place with special 

people. Pat says, “It’s just nice, 

friendly. Everyone has a common goal to 

make things better.” She encourages others 

to contribute to the community as well. There 

are many opportunities to get involved if one 

seeks them out. “There’s so much to do, but 

you have to look into it and do it.” 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 21

MEMBER INVESTOR ANNIVERSARIES 

ANNIVERSARY 

HAPPY 

>> 

A showcase of member investors 

who have demonstrated an 

ongoing commitment 

5 

Years 

• Applegate & 

Company, CPAs 

• Carson Wealth 

• Farmers Insurance 

• Maplewood Manufactured 

Home Community 

• Realty Executives 

Premier – Knoblock 

• Rusthead Design 

• US #1364 Federal 

Credit Union 

• Wingtip Aviation 

10 

Years 

• AM Stabilizers 

• Better Business 

Bureau – Northern 

Indiana 

• Blue Sky Financial 

Partners 

• Lakeshore PAWS 

• Old World Market 

• Porterfield Family 

Chiropractic 

• Puntillo & Crane 

Orthodontics 

• Stewart Richardson 

Deposition Services 

15 

Years 

• Housing Opportunities, Inc. 

• Martinis 

• TradeWinds Services, Inc. 

• Viking Chili Bowl 

20 

Years 

• Sensit Technologies 

25 

Years 

• Vic Volom, CLU, CLP – 

Northwestern Mutual Financial 

50 

Years 

• Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. 


Taking Care 

of Business. 

Business Counseling 

When it comes to starting, 

growing or protecting a business, 

owners and executives turn to 

Hoeppner Wagner & Evans. We 

represent some of the region’s 

largest manufacturers and service 

employers, mid-size family 

run enterprises, and small start-up 

companies, advising on a wide 

variety of legal and business issues: 

n Entity Formation 

n Employment and Labor Counseling 

n Real Estate Sales - Acquisitions - Leases 

n Real Estate Land Use and Zoning Matters 

n Litigation 

n Business Succession and Estate Planning 

n Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures and Sales 

n Federal and State Taxation 

n Financing and Restructuring Transactions 

n Dispute Resolution, including 

Mediation and Arbitration 

Valparaiso (219) 464-4961 

Merrillville (219) 769-6552 

www.hwelaw.com 

Hoeppner Wagner & Evans – We Care About Your Business 

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4:00pm till close 

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ValpoChamber.org 23

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VALE VIEW 

MODERN APARTMENT HOMES FEATURING UPSCALE AMENITIES 

Typical Vale View Unit Plan 

CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT AVAILABILITY 

260 S. FRANKLIN • VALPARAISO 

2 Bed/2 Bath with Den 

Built-In Gas Grill on each patio 

Washer and Dryer 

in each unit 

Water is included 

Private Elevator 

Private Fitness Facility 

Hi-Speed Fiber 

Internet included 

Private Underground 

Parking 

Solar-Powered 

EV Charging for each 

resident parking space 

Trash Chute 

Dog Friendly 

FLUID Coffeebar 

PROUDLY MANAGED BY 

PHONE: 219.232.8785 

WEB: WeValpo.com 

EMAIL: WeManageValpo@gmail.com

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

MEMBERS 

>> NEW 


THE VALPO CHAMBER WELCOMES BOARD- 

APPROVED NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED 

DURING MARCH, APRIL AND MAY, 2023. 

All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 

219 area code unless otherwise indicated. 

Bridge Financial 

Planning, LLC 

633 Chestnut St, Ste 600 

Chattanooga, TN 37450 

423-654-8050 

Justin McCurdy 

> Financial Advisors 

> Financial Services 

www.bridgefinancial 

planning.com 

Our CFP professionals are committed 

to providing comprehensive 

financial planning & investment 

management for our clients. We 

focus on the fundamentals and are 

proud to be independent, fee-only 

fiduciaries. With professional guidance, 

you'll stay in control of your 

finances. 

Coffee News 

219-743-5261 

Stephen Puchalski 

> Advertising/Creative & 

Marketing Services 

www.regioncoffeenews.com 

Coffee News is a weekly publication 

that is distributed, free of charge, 

to local restaurants, coffee shops, 

hotels, senior centers, physician's 

offices, etc. It is an entertaining, 

upbeat publication that provides 

readers with a pleasant diversion 

while they wait or dine. Local businesses 

advertise in Coffee News, giving 

them an inexpensive, category 

exclusive, and effective and highly 

visible outlet for their ads. 

Copper Custom 

Armament LLC 

2600 Beech St 

219-841-6532 

David Blythe 

> Firearms 

www.coppercustom.com 

Premier firearm retailer, gunsmith, 

and custom shop specializing in 

retail sales of high quality and Class 

3 items. 

Creative Marketing 

Sciences, Inc. 

630-450-7132 

Michelle Davulis 

> Advertising/Creative & 

Marketing Services 

www.creativemarketing 

sciences.com 

I specialize in digital marketing, 

affiliate marketing, branding, and 

content strategy. My skills don't end 

there as I work with many other experts 

in the field along with Liz Clay; 

an expert in all things content. With 

extensive combined experience I 

can tackle many other marketing 

channels. If I don't have the answers 

in-house, I have connections to 

resources that can fill the gaps. 

EDP Renewables 

North America LLC 

1501 McKinney St, Ste 1300 

Houston, TX 77010 

713-265-0350 

Samir Jain 

> Utilities 

www.edpr.com/north-america 

EDP Renewables North America 

LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its 

subsidiaries develop, construct, own, 

and operate wind farms and solar 

parks throughout North America. 

Fienemann Group 

BHHS 

312-371-3939 

Edie Fienemann 

> Real Estate-Commercial & Residential 

www.execgrp.com 

Fienemann Group is established 

through Berkshire Hathaway Home 

Services. 

GNC 

2268 W Hwy 30 

219-462-9944 

Robert Wiet 

> Health & Wellness Products & Services 

GNC in Valparaiso, Indiana provides 

exceptional customer service and 

superior supplement knowledge. 

We carry all supplements for everyone's 

needs. 

H & T Electrical 

Services LLC 

4601 Airport Rd 

219-472-6647 

Bob Harper 

> Electricians 

www.htelectricalservices.com 

H & T Electrical Services specializes 

in commercial, medical, and 

industrial electrical services. We 

provide trained professionals 

with knowledge, experience, and 

understanding on the local, state, 

and national electrical codes. 

Hero Pet Animal 

Hospital 

707 N Flynn Rd 

Westville 46391 

219-515-4376 

Ryan Booth 

> Veterinarians 

www.heropetanimalhospital.com 

Full-service animal hospital. 

My Style Exteriors 

112 Morgan Blvd 

815-666-2086 

Ryan Krusinger 

> Home Improvement 

> Roofing 

> Siding 

www.mystyleext.com 

General contractor providing 

residential and commercial exterior 

restoration for roofing, siding, gutters. 

Platinum Financial 

Group-Stowers 

& Associates 

954 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste D 

219-462-6381 

David Stowers 

> Financial Advisors 

www.platinumfinancial 

groupin.com 

Financial advisor group with over 

thirty-five years experience. 

The Press 

9 Lincolnway 

219-286-6079 

Dia Montgomery 

> Retail Stores 

www.valpopress.com 

An independent, experiential bookstore 

and coffee chop in downtown 

Valpo. 

The Puppy 

Emporium 

1101 Calumet Ave 

219-786-9958 

Rylee Briel 

> Pet Services/Supplies/Training 

www.thepuppyemporium.com 

We are a pet store that sells dog 

supplies and puppies! 

Smooth Finish 

Painting LLC 

219-316-5573 

Damian Raber 

> Paint Products & Services 

Smooth Finish Painting provides 

exceptional painting services for 

residential and commercial properties 

in Valparaiso. Our skilled team 

delivers outstanding results with 

a focus on quality and customer 

satisfaction.

NW INDIANA’S PREMIER CORPORATE EVENT VENUE 

St. Andrew’s 

Episcopal Church 

505 Bullseye Lake Rd 

219-462-4946 

Allison Cath 

> Churches/Synagogues 

www.standrewsvalpo.org 

We have numerous weekly activities, 

in addition to three worship services 

each weekend. 

Trust Tech 

555 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste D 

219-464-9999 

Chris Kotul 

> Technology Services 

www.trust.tech 

Managed services you can 

TRUST…After all, it’s in our name. 

Trust Tech delivers secure and 

innovative IT solutions to forwardthinking 

businesses seeking 

efficiency and growth. 

Valparaiso Vikings 

Quarterback Club 

Inc. 

PO Box 2232 46384 

Josh Rykard 

> Organizations 

www.valpovikingsqbc.org 

The Valpo Vikings QBC is a 501(c)(3) 

non-profit organization dedicated 

to supporting the VHS football 

programs and its student athletes. 

Valpo Excavation 

& Septic 

1101 Cumberland Crossing Dr, 

Ste 223 

219-298-2725 

Russ Bix 

> Excavation 

> Septic & Well 

www.valpoexcavation.com 

Valpo Excavation & Septic does excavation, 

septic, ponds, foundations, 

drainage, land clearing, trenching, 

utilities, and pole barns. 

Vanis Salon 

& Day Spa 

1620 Country Club Rd, Ste A 

219-465-6414 

Colleen Kaper 

> Salons/Spas 

www.vanis.net 

Vanis Salon and Day Spa is an iconic 

salon and spa that has been in the 

area for almost forty years. Vanis was 

built on client service and education. 

We have three locations, Valparaiso, 

Crown Point, and Schererville. 

Vault Bullion 

and Coin LLC 

2600 Beech St 

219-508-6876 

David Blythe 

> Bullion/Coin 

www.vaultbullionandcoin.com 

We specialize in buying and selling 

precious metal bullion and coins 

as well as numismatic coins and 

collectibles of all sorts. 

Wilhelmina’s 

829 E Lincolnway 

219-405-2319 

Jessica Thome 

Art Galleries 

> Gifts 

www.wilhelminasdecor.com 

We are an art boutique with other 

curated items. We feature local artists 

and artisans as well as unique 

gift items. We also offer customized 

event table decor rental. 

Woodside Pharmacy 

1551 Sturdy Rd 

219-286-3091 

Mo Saleh 

> Drug Stores & Pharmacies 

Compounding pharmacy services, 

long term care pharmacy, community 

retail pharmacy. 

Beautifully renovated to host 

events for 50-600 guests 

Contact us to start 

planning now 

WE ALWAYS STRIVE 

FOR EXCELLENCE 

But don’t just take our word for it, see what our fellow 

chamber members say about working with Kre-Eight 

WE APPRECIATE 

YOUR EXCELLENT 

WORK” 

WhereExceptional 

Business People 

Gather 

219-464-0133 portercountyexpo.com 

“ 

— Jonathon Costas 

dish Restaurant 

Call 219-561-1040 

Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber 

in Northwest Indiana? Contact Brie Zacharias at 

(219) 462-1105 or brie@valpochamber.org. 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 27

IVY TECH 

Proudly Promotes 

EDUCATION AT THE SPEED OF LIFE. 

Valparaiso Campus 

Michigan City & 

LaPorte Sites 

HIGHER EDUCATION DOESN’T HAVE TO COME AT A HIGHER PRICE! 

We major in 

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New classes start 

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Visit IvyTech.edu to get started today! 

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HEALTHeACCESS near site healthcare 

clinics are shared by multiple employers 

to increase access to care while 

decreasing employer medical costs. 

CONTACT US TODAY 

FranciscanHealth.org/HealtheAccess 

866-552-WELL (9355) 

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• High-quality primary and urgent care services for 

employees and their dependents 

• A convenient network of near site clinics located 

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• Fixed monthly fees 

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Results for Employers 

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OCCH030223NI

AROUND TOWN 

>> AROUND 

TOWN 

Around Town is an important 

element to the 

local business coverage 

of Valparaiso Magazine. 

Submissions are permitted 

by chamber member 

businesses only. Articles 

are business announcements 

- i.e. awards, new 

additions to staff or promotion 

of title, and change 

of business location. Sales 

promotions, advertisements, 

or coupon ads may 

not be accepted. Submissions 

must be 150 words or 

less, are subject to approval, 

and may be edited. 

Send your submissions to 

info@valpochamber.org 

Berkshire Hathaway 

HomeServices 

Executive Group 

Change is constant in 

the business world, and 

adapting to it is key for 

success and growth. In an 

exciting move that marks 

a new chapter for the 

Berkshire Hathaway Home- 

Services Executive Group, 

the esteemed real estate 

firm is relocating to 150 

Lincolnway, Suite 2000, 

in the vibrant downtown 

Valparaiso area. After 41 

years in their previous location, 

this move not only 

demonstrates the commitment 

of Larry Hitz, Broker/ 

Owner, to evolve with the 

times but also highlights 

the opportunities and 

potential that lie ahead 

in Valparaiso’s bustling 

urban center. 

Community Care 

Network 

Community Care Network, 

Inc. has been 

recognized as one of 

America’s Greatest 

Workplaces for Women 

2023 by Newsweek and 

Plant-A Insights Group. 

The healthcare providers 

and staff of Community 

Care Network, Inc. are 

affiliated with Community 

Healthcare System and 

draw on the expertise and 

resources of Community 

Hospital in Munster, St. 

Catherine Hospital in 

East Chicago, St. Mary 

Medical Center in Hobart 

and Community Stroke & 

Rehabilitation Center in 

Crown Point. Alan Kumar, 

Chief Operating Officer 

for Community Healthcare 

System and Administrator 

for Community 

Care Network, Inc. said 

Community Care Network 

takes pride in its workplace 

and is committed 

to providing a supportive 

environment for its employees. 

Newsweek and 

Plant-A Insights Group 

recognized the America’s 

Greatest Workplaces for 

Women by conducting 

a large-scale employer 

study based on more 

than 224,000 company 

reviews. For information 

about Community Care 

Network and Community 

Healthcare System, visit 

COMHS.org. To join the 

amazing team at Community 

Healthcare System, 

visit COMHS.org/careers. 

GNC 

The GNC in Valparaiso 

was acknowledged on 

May 10th 2023 at the 

GNC convention in Las 

Vegas. There were very 

limited awards given 

out that night, and the 

Valparaiso GNC won an 

award for being number 

1 in the country for sales 

comp increase! Robert 

Wiet acquired the store 

in 2021 from the previous 

franchise owner, and 

had quite a bit of work 

ahead of him to turn the 

store around. With the 

right customer service, 

product knowledge and 

getting involved in the 

community, he did just 

that! He turned it into a 

family owned and operated 

award winning store! 

Robert really encourages 

everyone in the community 

to stop in and check 

us out! We will help you 

with all of your health and 

fitness goals! 

Horizon Bank 

Indiana State Senator 

Mike Bohacek and State 

Representative Jim Pressel 

recently presented 

Horizon Bank’s Chairman 

and CEO, Craig M. Dwight 

with the state’s highest 

honor, a Sagamore of 

the Wabash Award for 

his civic leadership and 

significant contributions 

to his community. The 

Sagamore of the Wabash 

Award is considered the 

highest distinction in 

Indiana and is a personal 

tribute usually given to 

those who have rendered 

a distinguished service 

to the state. Governor 

Eric Holcomb received 

support for Craig’s vast 

contributions to the 

community from Michele 

Magnuson, Horizon 

Bancorp’s Lead Director, 

whose words of Craig’s 

accomplishments and 

community service were 

instrumental in securing 

this award. 


LPL Financial 

Dan Wilburn of LPL Financial 

was recently ranked 

No. 90 in Indiana in the annual 

Best-In-State Wealth 

Advisors list published 

by Forbes. According to 

Forbes, the annual list 

highlights over 2,000 of 

the nation’s top-performing 

advisors, nominated by 

their firms and then evaluated 

based on a qualitative 

algorithm and quantitative 

criteria administered by 

SHOOK Research. The 

criteria includes interviews, 

industry experience, 

community involvement, 

revenue trends and client 

retention. Dan Wilburn has 

been providing financial 

services to more than 250 

clients in the Northwest 

Indiana area for over 30 

years. Wilburn provides a 

full range of financial services, 

including retirement 

and financial planning, 

individual money management, 

individual stocks and 

bonds, mutual funds, annuities 

and more. Wilburn 

is an LPL Financial advisor. 

LPL is the nation’s largest 

independent broker-dealer 

and a leader in the retail 

financial advice market, 

providing resources, 

tools and technology that 

support advisors in their 

work to enrich their clients’ 

financial lives. 

Northwest 

Medical Group 

Northwest Medical Group 

recently welcomed Jennifer 

Aversano, FNP-C, a 

family nurse practitioner 

with a special interest 

in cancer care. Aversano 

joined the practice 

of Tareq Braik, M.D., and 

Mary Klein, M.D., at Northwest 

Health – Hematology 

& Oncology in the Medical 

Plaza adjacent to Northwest 

Health – Porter at 85 

E. US Highway 6 in Valparaiso. 

Aversano received 

both her master and her 

bachelor of science in nursing 

from Chamberlain College 

of Nursing in Downers 

Grove, Illinois. As an advanced 

practice nurse, she 

provides assessment and 

treatment for benign and 

malignant blood disorders, 

as well as for lung, breast, 

gastrointestinal and head 

and neck cancers. To 

schedule an appointment 

with Aversano, Dr. Braik 

or Dr. Klein, call 219-983- 

6260. Medicare, Medicaid 

and most insurance plans 

are welcome. 

Junk removal 

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• Eco-friendly mission 

• Exceptional service 

• Honest pricing 

• Same-day availability 

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CATS, DOGS & EXOTICS 

Compassionate care that pets & people 

have looked up to for 80 years 

219-462-5901 

651 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso www.mcafeeah.com 

M•A•H 

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Preventive Care | Dentistry 

Surgical Care | Boarding & More 

219-462-5901 

651 Eastport Centre Dr. | Valparaiso 

www.mcafeeah.com 

Take Control of Your Future 

Whether you’re buying your first house or planning for 

your golden years, it may be time for a second opinion. 

We know it’s been a tough few years, but we’re here 

to help you get on track. Give us a call and ask for 

fiduciary Tim Scannell, CPA, CFP ® . 

(219) 531-4941 or email 

greatlakes@hightoweradvisors.com 

(219) 531-4941 

hightowergreatlakes.com 

Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA/ 

SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment advisor. 

| 

Great Lakes 

ValpoChamber.org 31

At Valpo, we're proud to share our name with 

our city and blessed to be able to impact our 

community in big ways. 

11,474 

Valpo alumni call Northwest 

Indiana home 

26 

volunteer hours completed 

in the Region by each 

Valpo student 

400 

students participate annually for 

>2,000 

hours on Day of Caring 

31% 

of Valpo alumni reside 

in Chicagoland 

>$500,000 

donated to the local Children's 

Miracle Network Hospital by Valpo 

students during the annual Dance 

Marathon fundraiser 

>800 

community members employed 

by Valparaiso University 

valpo.edu

If you need to get across the City, to Chicago, or need to get to the South Shore 

Train Station, Valpo Transit has a bus to get you there! Valpo Transit offers 

features like bus tracking and mobile ticketing to make your trip affordable, 

reliable, and efficient. Visit Valpotransit.com for routes and schedules. 

For the commuter who wants flexibility in their schedule, the South Shore Connect is 

for you! The South Shore Connect has six bus departures to Dune Park Train Station 

every day, allowing you to travel to Chicago or South Bend with ease. 

Free Parking is located in Valparaiso at 260 Brown St. 

Make your commute stress free! Sit back, Relax and enjoy the ride. 

The ChicaGO Dash has five bus departures every Monday through Friday to and from 

Chicago. With airplane -style seating, the Dash buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, 

bike racks and lavatories to make your commute in comfort and ease. 

service throughout the City of Valparaiso. The V-line can take 

you to the City's top destinations! Whether it be just down the 

street, across the city, or downtown for an event, the V-Line will get you there! 

Providing trustworthy, safe and costefective 

services; specializing in 

commercial and industrial. 

4601 Airport Drive 


(219) 472-6647 

www.htelectricalservices.com 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 33

VALPO VIEWFINDER 

VIEWFINDER 

>> VALPO 

Wellman's on U.S. 30 — 

Dining Room, Cocktail 

Lounge and Bowling 

Lanes. Photos from a 

1958 postcard. 

THE 

TASTE 

OF 

REMINISCING WITH 

VALPO’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 

By Kelleen Cullison and Chris Hough 

The memory of a longtime restaurant can be singularly 

nostalgic; maybe it’s the way the taste of something cements 

it in our memory, or the familiarity of sitting in that one 

booth every Friday night with loved ones no longer with 

us. It can make people passionate, even adamant that no 

turkey will ever top Strongbow’s, or that they’ll never have a 

better burger than at Azar’s. Valparaiso has no shortage of 

restaurants to reminisce over, but without the space to do 

them all justice, we’re focusing on three community staples; 

Wellman’s Restaurant, the Court, and The Big Wheel. 

The Many Hats of Wellman’s 

Wellman’s restaurant, originally Wellman’s Corral, wore many 

hats. Founded by legendary local businessman Bill Wellman, 

what began as a dining hall evolved into a dinner-and-show 

venue, the Bridge-Vu Theatre, which opened in 1969. On 

opening night, the building’s renovations weren’t complete, 

but the dining service and 

entertainment were lauded 

overall, despite the noted 

challenges. 

An unfinished kitchen meant food was prepared in the main 

dining room, and there wasn’t enough prepared to feed the 

packed house. But overall, the place was a success. Three years 

later Wellman’s was hosting about 19 performances a year, 

and included big bands and on “Weird Nights” featured ESP 

experts. In 1974, the venue scheduled big names like Mickey 

Rooney, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra Jr. Soon after, 

Wellman sold and moved onto bigger projects like the Holiday 

Star Inn of Merrillville. After a short stint with other investors, the 

restaurant came into the hands of a former Wellman employee 

Emile Pattyn and briefly became Pat’s Place. 

Bill Wellman's Court Restaurant at Franklin St. and Indina Ave. 

Photo from the Feb 23, 1975 edition of Valparaiso Vidette Messenger. 

Valparaiso Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana, US 

February 21, 1975, Page 1 

A Valparaiso Cornerstone 

https://newspaperarchive.com/advertisement-clipping-feb-21-1975-3895759/ 

Wellman also founded The Court when he and investors 

bought out Club Royalee in 1974. It was located on the same 

corner as Paréa is today, across from the old courthouse 

that was its inspiration. Most of the interior was refurbished 

decor from Chicagoland and other surrounding areas. The 

doors were from a 19th century home in Springfield, IL. 

The southern-facing stained glass was from St. Mary Mercy 

Hospital in Gary, and the iconic old jail cell that served as a 

secluded booth was salvaged from a wrecker junkyard in 

Kankakee IL. The spacious second floor hosted receptions, 

weddings, and events for groups such as the Kiwanis, the 

Jaycees and the Jayshees, several fraternal and sororal 

orders, and others. Wellman would go on to accept a 1974 

Community Improvement award for the establishment (which 

he also won in 1970 for the Bridge-Vu Dinner Theatre!) 

The Big Wheel’s Turn in 

Valpo’s Culinary History 

And finally, before the corner of Lincolnway and Roosevelt was 

a Horizon Bank, it was the site of the Big Wheel, a franchise 

diner establishment that developed a devoted customer base. 

The lot was originally purchased in 1963 by Willard Lowe and 

his wife Patti from Mr. Lowe’s mother, Hattie Low Pierce. Once 

operational, the restaurant was run and managed by Joan 

Pierce Shroeder, a sibling of Willard, and her husband Richard. 


With the benefit of opening 

early, closing at midnight, 

and dedicated regulars, 

the Valpo Big Wheel 

stayed in business for over 

40 years. When they closed 

in November 2006, the final 

days were packed with 

longtime customers. Joan 

was there through the very last day, running the floor and refilling 

the beloved wooden wheel with DumDum suckers. A local 

report noted that as Big Wheel closed, some final customers 

left clutching menus and coffee cups. 

A Long History of Familiar Favorites 

These are just three of many beloved former establishments. 

There’s also Orange Bowl, Azar’s, Lembke Hotel, The 

Gathering, College Inn, Valpo Waffle Shop, Varsity Grill, Jade 

East, Shoney’s, Shakey’s, and Perkins, to name a few. Each of 

these establishments rests fondly in the city’s memory and 

deserves their due credit in Valpo’s history. 

IT’S 

PREP 

TIME! 

You can avoid being caught off guard by a 

system that can’t keep up with properly cooling 

your home. And you can avoid high energy bills 

too, all with a simple phone call. 

Here’s how: 

CALL Kent Heating and Air Conditioning 

for our famous Multi-Point “Energy Saver” 

Tune-up. Your system gets fully cleaned, 

adjusted and reset to industry specs. This 

is already an $89 bargain that’ll shave “free 

money” off your energy bill! 

Get prepared for the season ahead so that you 

can enjoy home comfort and energy savings all 

season long. The discounted tune-up is just $89 

until the temperature hits 90, or until time slots 

are filled, whichever comes first! 

Coupon must be presented to technician at time of service 

Our thanks to the Genealogy Department of the Porter 

County Public Library System for contributing this article. 

www.kentheatingandac.com 

info@kentheatingandac.com 

219.464.9181 or 219.736.0300 

TOGETHER... 

we are stronger 

Porter County 

COMMUNITY 

FOUNDATION 

Est. 1996 

STRENGTHENING 

OUR COMMUNITY 

THROUGH 

LASTING 

GENEROSITY 

& LEADERSHIP 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 35

Now, more than ever... 

experience and reputation matter. 

Call upon our 41 years of experience 

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establishing developments, and creating careers. 

Now in a new location! 

150 Lincolnway, Suite 2000, Valparaiso. 

Get to know us at www.ExecGrp.com 

or call 219.464.8521 

Expert advice 

Local Knowledge 

Relocation Certified 

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symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Contact Brie Zacharias at the Valpo Chamber (219) 462-1105 or brie@valpochamber.org. 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 37

FINAL THOUGHT 

THOUGHT 

>> FINALA KEY 

TO DOWNTOWN VALPARAISO'S 

One of the major compliments I hear from 

guests and visitors of Valparaiso is that 

they marvel at the ambiance of our downtown. 

We have lots of reasons for 

its viability and strength. However one of 

the basic core reasons was the decision 

nearly 20 years ago to go after 10 liquor 

permits that would be owned by the city 

and used as an incentive to attract restaurants 

to the downtown which would 

attract activity and focus for people to 

visit the downtown. 

No question about it, other important 

actions were taken such as rebuilding 

the curbs and gutters and replacing the 

sidewalks with new ones. Infrastructure 

investment was an important element. 

Then came the new Central Park and 

the Band Shell and Stage, then the iceskating 

park and pavilion. All of these 

have greatly contributed to Valparaiso's 

downtown appeal. However, the restaurants 

that were attracted by the liquor 

permits really have brought continuous 

growing interest in attracting folks to visit 

the downtown on a regular basis. 

Within the last five years, desire to live 

downtown and enjoy the various amenities 

and restaurants has grown tremendously. 

Apartments and town houses 

have been built and more are planned. 

Folks want to live downtown. People of 

all ages from all walks of life want to be 

downtown to enjoy the close benefits of 

walking to activities. A new hotel is even 

being planned two blocks off Lincolnway. 

By Rex G. Richards, CCE 

President, Valpo Chamber 

This past legislative session the city 

went after five more liquor permits and 

thanks to our legislators from Valpo, we 

got them. The city will use them in the 

same fashion, keeping the ownership 

for a small one-time fee. The permits are 

owned by the city and if the restaurant 

goes out of business or wants to move out 

of the central business district the permit 

is returned to the city for distribution to 

someone else. There is a procedure for 

obtaining the permits. 

Our city is seen as a model for other cities 

desiring to replicate what Valparaiso has 

done with liquor permits to attract dining 

in their downtown. One might wonder 

what the incentive of a liquor permit is 

owned by the city. If a liquor permit becomes 

available on the open market it has 

been sold recently for nearly $300,000 

dollars. This is one of the most expensive 

elements if a restaurant opens and wants 

to have a liquor permit. Obtaining one 

from the city for a one-time small fee is a 

tremendous incentive economically. 

Our downtown is truly the center point of 

attraction to our town. 


Make an 

Appointment 

to face the future 

with confidence. 

Look forward to a healthy future by taking care of yourself now. At Northwest Medical 

Group, our primary care providers take the time to identify your health risks and can 

help you prioritize good health. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings are 

important to be healthy now – and to stay well in the future. 

With same-day appointments and online scheduling, we make it easy to make an 

appointment right now. You can even see us from the comfort of home via telehealth. 

Make a strong choice for a healthy future. Make the most important appointment today. 

Visit NWIndianaDocs.com.

2023 Summer Valparaiso Magazine

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