2023 Summer Valparaiso Magazine
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SUMMER <strong>2023</strong><br />
VOL. 23 ISSUE 3<br />
George Djurovic<br />
MAIN + LINCOLN<br />
VALPO DINING
We work hard<br />
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Contact Pat McGinley today for your business needs:<br />
302 Silhavy Rd. | <strong>Valparaiso</strong> | (219) 307-6119 | pmcginley@tcunet.com<br />
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SUMMER <strong>2023</strong><br />
CONTENTS<br />
BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS<br />
PAGE 18<br />
VALPO DINING<br />
CHAMBER FOCUS<br />
>> Salute To Leadership<br />
PAGE 20<br />
MEMBER INVESTOR<br />
ANNIVERSARIES<br />
PAGE 22<br />
NEW MEMBER INVESTORS<br />
>> New Board-Approved Members<br />
PAGE 26<br />
AROUND TOWN<br />
>> Local Business News<br />
PAGE 30<br />
VALPO VIEWFINDER<br />
>> The Taste of Nostalgia<br />
PAGE 34<br />
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT<br />
PAGE 37<br />
MAIN +<br />
LINCOLN<br />
PAGE 4<br />
DON QUIJOTE<br />
RESTAURANT<br />
PAGE 8<br />
LINCOLN<br />
FLATS<br />
PAGE 11<br />
THE LINCOLN<br />
KITCHEN<br />
PAGE 14<br />
PIKK'S<br />
TAVERN<br />
PAGE 17<br />
A FINAL WORD<br />
>> A Key To Downtown <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Stability and Strength<br />
PAGE 38<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> 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.<br />
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO<br />
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
162 W Lincolnway, <strong>Valparaiso</strong>, IN 46383<br />
Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710<br />
info@valpochamber.org<br />
www.valpochamber.org<br />
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
Rex G. Richards, CCE, President<br />
Vanessa Brown, Executive Vice President, Economic Development & Operations<br />
Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications<br />
Christine Pazdur, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer<br />
Sue Stymiest, Resource Director<br />
Brie Zacharias, Vice President, Sales & Marketing<br />
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE<br />
PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE<br />
EDITOR Kurt Gillins<br />
SALES Brie Zacharias<br />
FEATURE WRITING AND PRE-PRODUCTION<br />
JCMA Marketing + Technology<br />
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION<br />
Kre-Eight Design Marketing<br />
COVER/FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging<br />
PRINTING Schumann Printers, Inc.<br />
MAILING Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service<br />
FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:<br />
call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Brie<br />
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ValpoChamber.org
CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | MAIN + LINCOLN<br />
George Djurovic and staff,<br />
Main + Lincoln<br />
COOKING UP<br />
MAIN + LINCOLN SERVES A UNIQUE BLEND<br />
OF VARIOUS EXPERIENCES TO VALPARAISO.<br />
By Haleigh Vander Vinne<br />
eorge Djurovic, chef and co-owner<br />
of Main + Lincoln, was in the kitchen,<br />
cutting an entire salmon when I<br />
arrived to interview him. Known<br />
for his extensive background in<br />
cuisine, dating back to 1997 -- from<br />
attending Le Cordon Bleu, a renown<br />
culinary school in Paris, to working<br />
at Le Bernardin in New York City, one of<br />
the original Michelin Guide’s three-star<br />
restaurants -- I expected him to be in a<br />
pristine chef’s outfit but instead, he was<br />
wearing jeans and a simple apron, prepping<br />
an entire salmon. “Cutting this fish is very<br />
much representative of what we do with<br />
everything here, which is to say everything<br />
comes in this fresh state,” said Djurovic.<br />
One Meal Inspired<br />
a Lifelong Passion<br />
When asked what his most memorable meal<br />
was, Djurovic laughed. He has loved and<br />
4 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |<br />
experienced so much diverse cuisine that it<br />
was tough to choose just one, but he settled<br />
on the night that sparked his passion. “I<br />
think one meal that comes to mind that got<br />
me excited about fine dining and cuisine<br />
was my senior prom dinner at a restaurant<br />
called the Everest Room in Chicago,”<br />
said Djurovic. He painted a picture of<br />
an incredible formal dining room, large<br />
windows facing west for a famous sunset<br />
view, new foods to taste such as raw tuna<br />
and rabbit, and waiters taking care of them.<br />
“It was really special and after that, I knew<br />
this is what I want to do,” added Djurovic.<br />
How to Make Cooking<br />
at Home Equally as<br />
Special as Going Out<br />
Many people veer towards going out to eat<br />
versus cooking at home. “The main reason<br />
I think that people don’t cook at home is<br />
the chore involved in it,” said Djurovic. Why<br />
bother with going to the grocery store,<br />
prepping, and cooking the food, then<br />
cleaning the dishes afterwards when you can<br />
just go to a restaurant? To help make cooking<br />
at home a special experience, Djurovic used<br />
his exposure to restaurants in Chicago, New<br />
York, and Paris to open a grocery store. “I<br />
could take all the things that I learned how to<br />
do in all these wonderful restaurants and then<br />
apply it to cooking at home,” said Djurovic.<br />
“That’s really what I love, knowing that I’ve<br />
helped people in the cooking process,”<br />
continued Djurovic. His advice to make<br />
cooking at home less of a chore: Clean while<br />
you cook. And he practices what he preaches.<br />
There was not a sliver of excess salmon on his<br />
worktable during our interview.<br />
What New American<br />
Cuisine Means<br />
Djurovic, a <strong>Valparaiso</strong> native, returned home<br />
at a fortuitous time to become co-owner<br />
and chef at Main + Lincoln. Drawing from<br />
his influences and experiences, he blends<br />
cuisines – American, Mexican, Asian, and<br />
others – to represent America’s diverse<br />
history as the melting pot. He calls it “new<br />
American cuisine”.
Season and mood influences Main + Lincoln’s menu. “We all<br />
collaborate here, bounce ideas off of one another,” added Djurovic.<br />
They pull from what their parents and grandparents have made, places<br />
they have eaten recently, or their favorite meals growing up. “Those<br />
conversations take place all the time. From that, we curate the menu,”<br />
said Djurovic. He defined new American cuisine as “a combination of<br />
all the people who’ve come here and brought all the food they grew<br />
up with,” further adding that America’s cuisine is “truly a melting pot”.<br />
The Melting Pot in the Heart of <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Restaurants bring a sense of escapism and theater to <strong>Valparaiso</strong>,<br />
attracting visitors from surrounding areas, continually mixing the<br />
melting pot of cuisine. Main + Lincoln adds another dining experience<br />
to <strong>Valparaiso</strong>, one that is sincere and wholesome. “We’re very much<br />
dictated by the idea ‘Would we serve this to our grandma?’” said<br />
Djurovic. “I don’t know how many other restaurants are cutting whole<br />
salmon,” chuckled Djurovic.<br />
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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | DON QUIJOTE RESTAURANT<br />
A TASTE OF SPAIN:<br />
Carlos Rivero and Elana Jambrina,<br />
Don Quijote Restaurant<br />
INSPIRED BY HIS FAMILY’S PASSIONS, CARLOS RIVERO NURTURED HIS<br />
DREAM OF OPENING A RESTAURANT SINCE HIS CHILDHOOD IN SPAIN.<br />
By Katie Bieber<br />
8 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |<br />
icture a small coastal city with busy shipyards, fishing<br />
ports, and a backdrop of lush green mountains. Situated<br />
along the Atlantic coast, with a humid oceanic climate and<br />
frequent rain, the weather is comparable to Seattle. This<br />
is Pontevedra, located in Spain's northern region of Galicia,<br />
where Carlos Rivero was born.<br />
"My love for the kitchen started with my dad," said Rivero. His father,<br />
a chef on a Norwegian ocean liner, often spent 8-9 months at sea,<br />
and would travel to far off locations like New York and Argentina. A<br />
beloved local chef, townspeople would postpone weddings and other<br />
big celebrations for when his father would return. Rivero would tag<br />
along to these events, watching and helping his father prepare meals.<br />
"I remember the things he taught me, how he explained things to me,<br />
and the older I get, my mind goes back to those days," said Rivero.<br />
Rivero describes his late father as "very calm and mild," however<br />
his mother, a formidable five feet tall, had "a lot of passion for life,<br />
a lot of energy. The complete opposite of my dad. But I think this<br />
combination of them both is where I learned the passion I have right<br />
now," reflected Rivero.<br />
While his father was away, Rivero's mother took care of the family farm<br />
growing things like kale, cabbage, green beans, broccoli, and with the<br />
warmth of summer sun, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The rich terrain<br />
and climate of Pontevedra makes it possible to grow crops year-round.<br />
She also took care of chickens, turkeys, and lambs and on Saturdays,<br />
would sell the produce and animals she had tended to so thoughtfully.<br />
Being surrounded by fresh ingredients influenced Rivero’s cuisine<br />
choices as he moved into his career as a restauranteur.<br />
A Dream Realized<br />
At the age of 11, Rivero moved to Madrid where his brothers owned<br />
restaurants. After finishing his schooling, he began working there fulltime.<br />
It was in Madrid where Rivero met and fell in love with his wife<br />
Carol. "It was love at first sight," said Rivero with a warm smile. Carol<br />
was an American teacher, originally from Gary, Indiana, and the two<br />
would eventually move to the states together in 1972. Rivero found a<br />
job working at the Inland Steel Mill, where he would spend the next<br />
30 years.<br />
But in 1985, while still working at the steel mill, he was finally able to<br />
open Don Quijote – the restaurant he had always dreamed of, one that<br />
would introduce Americans to the rich cuisine of his native Spanish<br />
roots. His menu, which largely remains the same as when Rivero first<br />
opened, includes dishes from every region of Spain. Dedicated to fresh<br />
ingredients, Rivero grows produce on an acre-and-a-half of his own<br />
land to provide to the Don Quijote kitchen.<br />
His menu also features three iconic dishes and a drink that are true<br />
representations of Spanish cuisine: gazpacho, paella, sangria, and flan.<br />
The Don Quijote recipe for flan comes from Rivero's Business Partner,<br />
Assistant Chef and Business Manager, Elena Jambrina. Also a native
of northern Spain, Jambrina came to the United States in 1980<br />
and joined Rivero at Don Quijote as a dessert chef in 1985. She<br />
credits her love of desserts to her childhood. “I used to tag along<br />
with my grandmother and my mom, and that’s where I got my<br />
sweet tooth, and why I love to make, (and eat) desserts so much,”<br />
said Jambrina with a smile. Jambrina’s talents are an integral<br />
part of the Don Quijote restaurant experience.<br />
Helping Others Reach their Dreams<br />
These days Rivero comes to work primarily for pleasure. He<br />
still loves cooking and being with his customers, but perhaps<br />
his greatest passion in this chapter of his life is helping his<br />
community. From supporting local organizations like VNA Meals<br />
on Wheels and Hilltop Neighborhood House, to establishing his<br />
own scholarship fund for students, Rivero feels strongly about<br />
giving back. "I'm working because I want to keep doing things<br />
for the people that live in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. That is my passion right<br />
now. And that is why I keep staying in business,” said Rivero.<br />
In Spain, most meals are meant to be shared. This sentiment<br />
permeates everything Carlos Rivero does. Through Don<br />
Quijote, he shares his love of Spanish cuisine, now a downtown<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> fixture. But perhaps even more poignant is how<br />
Rivero continues to share his passion and love to support the<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> community.<br />
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| ValpoChamber.org 9
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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | LINCOLN FLATS >><br />
Head Chef, Aaron Kujawa (far left);<br />
Owners, Dr. Steven and Jill Buck (front);<br />
and staff, Lincoln Flats<br />
By Sean Hay<br />
FROM DISHWASHER TO AWARD-WINNING HEAD CHEF AT<br />
LINCOLN FLATS, THERE’S NO SITTING STILL FOR AARON KUJAWA.<br />
aron Kujawa isn't one to boast.<br />
When you ask about his background<br />
and what he brings to the<br />
table (pun intended) as Lincoln<br />
Flats' head chef, you can almost feel<br />
him shrug as he talks, as though it's<br />
no big deal.<br />
"I worked at Strongbow Inn for about 15 years.<br />
No formal training, just the school of hard<br />
knocks from the ground up, you know – started<br />
off as a dishwasher, prep cook, line cook, banquet<br />
chef, sous chef," he says.<br />
Of course, that IS kind of a big deal, since Kujawa<br />
trained under <strong>Valparaiso</strong> legend and Culinary<br />
Institute of America-educated chef Russ<br />
Adams, owner of long-time <strong>Valparaiso</strong> institution<br />
Strongbow Inn. Adams consulted with<br />
owner Stephen Buck on Lincoln Flats’ concept,<br />
and his presence also helped bring Kujawa on<br />
board as head chef.<br />
“The first time I asked Aaron if he wanted to<br />
work for me, he said no,” chuckled Buck. “I<br />
know he thought, ‘This is some crazy doctor<br />
who thinks he’s going to play restaurant.’ But<br />
when he found out that I had hired Russ Adams<br />
to give me a hand, he reconsidered.”<br />
Far from standing in the shadow of his Strongbow<br />
mentor, though, Kujawa has stepped out<br />
and made a mark of his own during his five<br />
years as Lincoln Flats' head chef.<br />
“What I love is an honest home cooked meal<br />
that somebody has put their heart and love<br />
into,” said Kujawa.<br />
You don’t have to look any further than Lincoln<br />
Flats’ menu to see this philosophy brought to<br />
life. Pork schnitzel, a double bone-in pork chop<br />
and a meatloaf feature are consistently popular<br />
with patrons, and during warmer weather,<br />
the poke bowl and weekly salmon features are<br />
go-to’s.<br />
With a menu that rotates two to three times per<br />
year, Kujawa makes sure that the team is keeping<br />
things fresh. “You want to try to do something<br />
different, not follow the beaten path all<br />
the time,” he says. “My staff and I bounce ideas<br />
off each other so everyone has their hand in<br />
the pot. We all get a sense of ownership in<br />
what we do.”<br />
Kujawa has also been recognized for his culinary<br />
skills on a regional level. During 2019's<br />
Chefs of Steel competition, sponsored by The<br />
Times of Northwest Indiana, Kujawa was one<br />
of just 15 chefs from across Lake, Porter and<br />
La Porte counties invited to compete. He and<br />
his signature grilled elk chops with blackberry<br />
maple drizzle made it into the top three. The<br />
elk chops are a consistent favorite at the restaurant<br />
too. “Regular customers ask for it, and<br />
we still do it as a special about once a quarter,"<br />
said Buck.<br />
Taking a Cue from <strong>Valparaiso</strong>’s<br />
Commitment to Innovation<br />
Kujawa, Buck and his wife Jill are all lifelong<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> residents, and the team makes it a<br />
point to follow the lead of the community that’s<br />
given them so much.<br />
“I can't think of another community that's<br />
warmer and more eager to try new things, you<br />
know? And that's kind of where we're at. We're<br />
always trying something new. I mean, even<br />
if it's just something as simple as the way we<br />
serve our Manhattan,” said Buck.<br />
It’s not as simple as that, though. From a unique<br />
Argon draft system that can keep a bottle of<br />
wine fresh for 21 days to collaborations with<br />
18th St. Distillery and Journeyman with whiskey<br />
aged in cabernet casks, the idea of sitting<br />
still is not in Lincoln Flats’ DNA.<br />
When asked for a little advice for those aspiring<br />
chefs looking to find their way, Kujawa’s<br />
guidance could not be any more on brand:<br />
“Keep just chopping.”<br />
|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 11
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CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | THE LINCOLN KITCHEN<br />
RESTAURANT<br />
DELIVERY<br />
Eric Berindei, and his<br />
daughter Ellie Berindei<br />
serve a customer at<br />
The Lincoln Kitchen<br />
LINCOLN KITCHEN IS THE FIRST AND ONLY GHOST KITCHEN IN VALPARAISO.<br />
By Haleigh Vander Vinne<br />
14 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |<br />
f you think about it, nearly every mall has a<br />
food court. An assortment of restaurants circle<br />
around a large seating area. The shoppers have the<br />
option to choose from any of the restaurants and meet in<br />
the middle to dine. Now, picture a food court but with one<br />
register, one location, and several options for delivery and<br />
pick up. That’s what Lincoln Kitchen is, the first and<br />
only ghost kitchen in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>.<br />
A Virtual Food Court<br />
Owner Eric Berindei describes Lincoln Kitchen as a “virtual food court”<br />
where you can order online or at their location on 704 Silhavy Road<br />
and choose from nearly 15 different restaurants to be picked up or<br />
delivered. “It’s a good place to go if you or someone else can’t decide<br />
on one type of food or one restaurant,” said Berindei. Lincoln Kitchen<br />
offers cheesecakes from Maurices Signature Cheesecakes, tacos and<br />
burritos from Tony’s Tacos, burgers from Big D’s Eats, Holmeboy’s hot<br />
dogs, and Bao’s egg rolls and potstickers; it is also home to Jennylynn’s<br />
Gluten Free Kitchen, Phat Wraps, The Melt, The A.M. Cafe, Wow Bao,<br />
Bobalicious, and Trailer Birds.<br />
Perfect Spot for Startup Restaurants to Grow<br />
Lincoln Kitchen adds a community-invested kitchen to <strong>Valparaiso</strong> that<br />
encourages startups to open a restaurant and local, regional, and<br />
national restaurants to add a new location. Providing five rentable<br />
kitchens, shared fridge and freezer, and a physical location, Lincoln<br />
Kitchen lays the groundwork for restaurants to flourish without<br />
spending money on a brick-and-mortar storefront. The restaurants<br />
operate in fully functional kitchens with everything they need to cook<br />
food, create recipes, and experiment with flavors. “Nearly every day<br />
someone is trying something new or figuring out what they can add to<br />
their menu, a new item for a weekly special, or can they try and cook<br />
something a little different than they normally do,” described Berindei.<br />
What Inspired Berindei to Switch<br />
from Trading to Food Delivery?<br />
One day, Berindei was hungry at home, but wanted to enjoy his meal<br />
without leaving his house. Because Door Dash and Uber Eats had yet to<br />
become commonplace in Northwest Indiana at the time, Berindei got<br />
creative. “I had an Uber driver's number saved in my phone. I called and<br />
asked him, ‘If we order food online, would you bring it to us?’ and they<br />
did,” explained Berindei. The next day, Berindei’s wheels were spinning<br />
on how he could fulfill the region’s need for food delivery. The answer:<br />
start a restaurant delivery service. And so, Delivery.com was born.<br />
He believed he could handle the day-to-day operations of running a<br />
food delivery service while keeping his full-time trading job. “The<br />
business became much more involved than that. I wanted to see it<br />
through, so I committed full time to it,” commented Berindei. Always<br />
looking for the next exciting venture, Berindei learned about ghost
kitchens from a friend who worked in a couple locations in California.<br />
Berindei spent time in California with his daughter Ellie to research<br />
how to run a ghost kitchen and what could work in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. In 2022,<br />
Lincoln Kitchen took shape.<br />
Advice from a Fellow Startup<br />
Lincoln Kitchen is the first of its kind in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. It creates a<br />
supportive, nurturing environment for startup restaurants to make<br />
something of themselves. <strong>Valparaiso</strong>’s ghost kitchen gives restaurants<br />
what they need to take an idea and run with it, much like how Berindei<br />
pursued his restaurant delivery service. We asked what his advice for<br />
startups would be. “Every day feels like a new adventure in itself. When<br />
it gets hard, keep completing the small things you have to get done<br />
everyday. They will add up. Stay consistent and keep pushing through<br />
to what you are working to accomplish. It’s definitely not easy, but is<br />
rewarding,” answered Berindei.<br />
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ValpoChamber.org 15
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16 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT | PIKK'S TAVERN >><br />
Two men stand<br />
in front Horn's<br />
Quality Market<br />
next to a truck<br />
in 1922. Photo<br />
from Indiana<br />
Album, Inc.<br />
(pastperfectonline.com)<br />
Beto Olivares, Paul LoDuca<br />
and Jose Luis Olivares stand in<br />
front of Pikk’s Tavern, present day.<br />
By Katie Bieber<br />
ake a step back in time and savor<br />
rich <strong>Valparaiso</strong> history when<br />
you enter Pikk's Tavern in downtown<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong>. Built in 1921, the building<br />
was originally home to Horn's Quality<br />
Market, a local butcher shop. An examination<br />
of the outside of the building reveals<br />
an oxidized copper cornice, emblazoned<br />
with "Horn's Block" in raised letters,<br />
an homage to what it once was. A parapet<br />
with a limestone tablet reading 1921 still<br />
stands tall amongst the other downtown<br />
buildings lining Lincolnway.<br />
Inside, owner Paul LoDuca has maintained<br />
the building's beautiful, and original, historical<br />
accents from floor to ceiling including terrazzo<br />
floors, brick walls and a tin ceiling. The<br />
bar on the main floor was purchased from<br />
an Elks Club in East Chicago, also originally<br />
built in the 1920s, which adds to the overall<br />
charm. A stroll down to the lower level reveals<br />
sturdy steel beams, and a small room<br />
that was once used to smoke meat, char still<br />
covering the walls.<br />
From Dishwasher to<br />
Critically Acclaimed<br />
Restaurant Group Owner<br />
LoDuca's humble beginnings as a dishwasher<br />
and busser began at his father's restaurant<br />
Giovanni's in Munster. Finding passion for<br />
the industry at an early age, he decided to<br />
attend culinary school at Johnson & Wales<br />
College in Rhode Island. Ultimately returning<br />
home, LoDuca embarked on a new chapter in<br />
Chicago. After working for others, he would<br />
eventually open his first restaurant in Chicago<br />
called VINCI on Halsted in 1991. Finding success,<br />
he opened a second restaurant in Chicago<br />
called Adobo Grill in 2000. His expanded<br />
culinary repertoire led to the creation of his<br />
restaurant group daVinci.<br />
SERVED WITH A<br />
PIKK'S TAVERN OWNER EMBRACES THE RICH<br />
HISTORY OF AN HISTORIC VALPARAISO BUILDING.<br />
Inspired by then Mayor Costas' vision for the<br />
area, LoDuca moved his family to <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
in 2002. Upon learning that 62 Lincolnway<br />
was for sale, he bought the building and was<br />
able to procure one of Valpo’s downtown<br />
historic district liquor licenses. Pikk's Tavern<br />
opened in June 2007. "It has really worked<br />
for us. Even though it's a small community,<br />
there's a huge dining scene and an appetite<br />
for dining," reflected LoDuca.<br />
A Name Inspired by Family,<br />
Food That Makes You<br />
Feel at Home<br />
You may have wondered what's behind the<br />
name Pikk's Tavern. "It's the first initial of everybody<br />
in our family. Obviously, I'm P, my<br />
wife is Kathy. I have a daughter Karli and a<br />
daughter Isabel. So, it's all of us together."<br />
This familial foundation can be felt in Pikk’s<br />
classic dishes: steaks, fish and chips, and the<br />
Tavern Burger, all served in a comfortable<br />
and cozy setting. And for those who desire<br />
a longer stay, Pikk's Inn is conveniently located<br />
above the tavern. Its two guest rooms<br />
are furnished with antique furniture and<br />
modern amenities.<br />
When asked what the future looks like, Lo-<br />
Duca answered with calm confidence. "VIN-<br />
CI has been around for 32 years, Adobo 23<br />
years, and Pikk's is going on 18 years. So,<br />
we're the tortoise, we're going to keep chugging<br />
along. Some places come and are hot for<br />
a while, but then they're gone. We're still going<br />
to be around," concluded LoDuca.<br />
|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 17
BUSINESS<br />
>> BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS<br />
SNAPSHOTS<br />
This issue of <strong>Valparaiso</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> is all about local restaurants. In addition to the businesses highlighted in feature<br />
stories on the preceding pages, we'd like to recognize the many other Valpo Chamber Member Restaurants.<br />
AJ’s Pizza Company<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2010<br />
Applebee’s<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2015<br />
Ben’s Soft Pretzels<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2013<br />
Blackbird Café<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2022<br />
Blue Point Oysters<br />
& Sushi Bar<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2014<br />
Brick Street Burrito<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2019<br />
Burgerhaus<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2013<br />
Chick-fil-A at<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2021<br />
Crumbl Cookies<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2022<br />
Culver’s of <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2001<br />
Dish Restaurant<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2008<br />
El Salto<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2002<br />
Furin Japanese<br />
Restaurant<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2017<br />
Geitonia Greek Grill<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: <strong>2023</strong><br />
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2002<br />
Hungry Howie’s<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2018<br />
Industrial Revolution<br />
Eatery & Grille<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2010<br />
J & J’s Pizza Shack of<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong>, Inc.<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2011<br />
Jimmy John’s<br />
Gourmet Sandwiches<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2003<br />
Journeyman Distillery<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2022<br />
Kelsey's<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2001<br />
Le Peep Restaurant<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2011<br />
Martinis<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2008<br />
McAlister’s Deli<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2016<br />
McDonald’s<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2019<br />
Paréa<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2010<br />
Parlor Doughnuts<br />
Valpo<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2022<br />
Patrick’s Grille<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2017<br />
Peddlers Pizza Pub<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2020<br />
Radius<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2017<br />
Ricochet<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2017<br />
Santo Taco<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2020<br />
Schoop’s Hamburgers<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2013<br />
Suzie’s Café &<br />
Catering, Inc.<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2009<br />
Trailyard<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2021<br />
Valpo Velvet Shoppe<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2014<br />
Veleros Restaurant<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2021<br />
Viking Chili Bowl<br />
Valpo Chamber Member Since: 2008<br />
Find information about each of these restaurants at web.valpochamber.org/restaurants<br />
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CHAMBER<br />
>> CHAMBER FOCUS | SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP<br />
FOCUS Salute<br />
By Darlene McCarty Cohn<br />
Once a year, the Valpo Chamber recognizes the accomplishments of business leaders who embody a spirit of selfless dedication to the<br />
community. This year, Rob Thorgren, President of Thorgren Tool and Molding, will receive the <strong>2023</strong> Distinguished Community Leader<br />
award. Steve and Pat Ingram, retired owners of Valuation Services, will receive the <strong>2023</strong> Legacy of Service award. The recipients of<br />
both these awards were nominated by their peers. These award recipients are indispensable assets to the <strong>Valparaiso</strong> community. Our<br />
city and its people are better for their spirit of giving and selflessness. We thank them for their dedication and are pleased to honor<br />
their service with these awards.<br />
ROB THORGREN<br />
The Distinguished Community Leader Award is<br />
the highest recognition the Chamber confers on<br />
an individual member of the business community.<br />
Recipients have demonstrated leadership, active<br />
involvement in the greater <strong>Valparaiso</strong> business<br />
community, reputation among business leaders,<br />
success in promoting business and industry<br />
development, overall contribution to the community<br />
and its quality of life, and professional activities.<br />
Rob Thorgren was born and raised in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. He<br />
attended Indiana University in Bloomington. After<br />
graduating, he returned to Valpo, taking what he<br />
believed would be a temporary job in the family<br />
company, Thorgren Tool and Molding, which his greatgrandfather<br />
founded in 1946. He stayed, however,<br />
and is pleased to now be the 4th generation President<br />
of the company. Thorgren married his high-school<br />
sweetheart Natalie, who is a teacher with <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Community Schools. They are proudly raising their<br />
family in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. He says, “We love Valpo. It’s our<br />
home. We take a lot of pride in living here.”<br />
Thorgren is known for his generosity of time and<br />
resources. Among his most beloved projects was the<br />
renovation of ValPLAYso in 2014, which he loved for<br />
the community effort as much as for the final result.<br />
“Working on the ValPLAYso project was near and<br />
dear to my heart. We had 3000 volunteers come and<br />
work together for a week. Very seldom do you see a<br />
community come together like that and accomplish<br />
something. What a great display of camaraderie for<br />
our community.”<br />
Thorgren also, along with Ric Urschel of Urschel<br />
Industries, led the Supporters of <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Community Schools committee, which campaigned<br />
for the passage of the recent school referendums.<br />
He says the referendums made sure the schools had<br />
the funding they needed to “keep pace with the rest<br />
of the state schools. The schools are really the pillar of<br />
your community.”<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Distinguished Community Leader<br />
Other projects Thorgren has been involved with<br />
include being the Construction Committee<br />
Manager for the construction of the new YMCA,<br />
as well as leading capital campaigns, most recently<br />
for the construction of the new Boys & Girls Club.<br />
Thorgren credits his family, especially his father,<br />
for teaching him the value of community service.<br />
“My family was always involved in the<br />
community, and they taught us at a<br />
young age to get involved and give<br />
back. My dad always said, ‘Be<br />
a good citizen.’” Thorgren is<br />
passing the same values onto<br />
his own sons, teaching them<br />
that service, like sports, is all<br />
about “effort and attitude.”<br />
He says, “I feel that<br />
everybody in Valpo<br />
has the ability to give in<br />
one way shape or form.<br />
If it’s not with their<br />
pocketbook it’s with<br />
their hands. That’s how<br />
we were raised.”<br />
Thorgren says receiving<br />
this award is “very kind<br />
and very humbling. I’ve<br />
just surrounded myself<br />
with good people over<br />
the years. I had some<br />
really good mentors in the<br />
way of philanthropy and<br />
things of that nature. I<br />
should give credit to those<br />
folks. I’m just following in<br />
their footsteps and trying to<br />
accomplish the same things that<br />
they had done for years.”<br />
20 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
to Leadership<br />
STEVE AND PAT INGRAM<br />
The Legacy of Service Award recognizes<br />
individuals in the community who, over time<br />
or under extraordinary circumstances, have<br />
given service to the community above and<br />
beyond what is expected in their profession.<br />
Recipients have created a legacy of<br />
community service and serve as an example<br />
for others to emulate.<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Legacy of Service<br />
Steve and Pat Ingram moved to <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
from Fort Wayne in 1987, and immediately<br />
felt at home. Pat describes finding it “very<br />
warm and family friendly with good schools.”<br />
They began working with Valuation Services<br />
in 1991 and purchased the business in 1999.<br />
While the Ingrams are now retired, their son<br />
took over the family business and continues<br />
to run it today. They have three children and<br />
4 grandchildren.<br />
Both the Ingrams are active members of the<br />
philanthropic community and devoted to<br />
service. Steve is an International Trustee with<br />
the International Kiwanis Club and both are<br />
longtime members of the <strong>Valparaiso</strong> Noon<br />
Kiwanis Club – the third largest Kiwanis club in<br />
the world. The events they participate in with<br />
Kiwanis benefit kids all over the globe. The<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> Noon Kiwanis sponsors an annual<br />
Pancake Breakfast in Spring, a Corn Roast in<br />
the late summer, and a Beer Tent at Popcorn<br />
Fest. Proceeds from all these events benefit<br />
many local charities as well as Riley Hospital<br />
for Children. Steve volunteers at Riley once a<br />
month, “one of my favorite places to help.”<br />
Steve has worked building houses with<br />
Habitat for Humanity. He has also given his<br />
time to the Construction Trades students<br />
at the Porter County Career and Technical<br />
Education Center, including the project<br />
to move the old train depot. Pat was a Girl<br />
Scout leader for 13 years and takes pride<br />
in watching her “girls” become successful<br />
women with families of their own. Both also<br />
volunteer at St. Teresa of Avila in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>.<br />
The Ingrams believe community service is<br />
a group effort. Pat says, “It’s not just one or<br />
two people; it’s a community. Everything we<br />
participate in has to be done with a group<br />
or it wouldn’t get done.” Steve says his<br />
philosophy is to “Be prepared for<br />
opportunity,” a sentiment which<br />
has informed his involvement<br />
in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. Pat says<br />
she believes, “If you want<br />
something done, ask the<br />
busy people.” Both stay<br />
very busy themselves and<br />
seize opportunities to help<br />
whenever they can.<br />
Both believe <strong>Valparaiso</strong> is<br />
a special place with special<br />
people. Pat says, “It’s just nice,<br />
friendly. Everyone has a common goal to<br />
make things better.” She encourages others<br />
to contribute to the community as well. There<br />
are many opportunities to get involved if one<br />
seeks them out. “There’s so much to do, but<br />
you have to look into it and do it.”<br />
|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 21
MEMBER INVESTOR ANNIVERSARIES<br />
ANNIVERSARY<br />
HAPPY<br />
>><br />
A showcase of member investors<br />
who have demonstrated an<br />
ongoing commitment<br />
5<br />
Years<br />
• Applegate &<br />
Company, CPAs<br />
• Carson Wealth<br />
• Farmers Insurance<br />
• Maplewood Manufactured<br />
Home Community<br />
• Realty Executives<br />
Premier – Knoblock<br />
• Rusthead Design<br />
• US #1364 Federal<br />
Credit Union<br />
• Wingtip Aviation<br />
10<br />
Years<br />
• AM Stabilizers<br />
• Better Business<br />
Bureau – Northern<br />
Indiana<br />
• Blue Sky Financial<br />
Partners<br />
• Lakeshore PAWS<br />
• Old World Market<br />
• Porterfield Family<br />
Chiropractic<br />
• Puntillo & Crane<br />
Orthodontics<br />
• Stewart Richardson<br />
Deposition Services<br />
15<br />
Years<br />
• Housing Opportunities, Inc.<br />
• Martinis<br />
• TradeWinds Services, Inc.<br />
• Viking Chili Bowl<br />
20<br />
Years<br />
• Sensit Technologies<br />
25<br />
Years<br />
• Vic Volom, CLU, CLP –<br />
Northwestern Mutual Financial<br />
50<br />
Years<br />
• Dykes Funeral Home, Inc.<br />
22 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
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ValpoChamber.org 23
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*If daily balance of $1,000 is not met a $12.00 maintenance fee applies. **10 free bill payments per<br />
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Serving Porter County for 65 years.<br />
Customized insurance coverage for all of your needs<br />
and now part of one of the largest independent<br />
agency families, with access to over 200 carriers.<br />
2600 Roosevelt Rd., <strong>Valparaiso</strong> | 219.465.6530<br />
155 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton | 219.926.8681<br />
antoninsurance.com<br />
…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A Five Star Rated Hospice by Medicare<br />
24 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
VV<br />
VALE VIEW<br />
MODERN APARTMENT HOMES FEATURING UPSCALE AMENITIES<br />
Typical Vale View Unit Plan<br />
CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT AVAILABILITY<br />
260 S. FRANKLIN • VALPARAISO<br />
2 Bed/2 Bath with Den<br />
Built-In Gas Grill on each patio<br />
Washer and Dryer<br />
in each unit<br />
Water is included<br />
Private Elevator<br />
Private Fitness Facility<br />
Hi-Speed Fiber<br />
Internet included<br />
Private Underground<br />
Parking<br />
Solar-Powered<br />
EV Charging for each<br />
resident parking space<br />
Trash Chute<br />
Dog Friendly<br />
FLUID Coffeebar<br />
PROUDLY MANAGED BY<br />
PHONE: 219.232.8785<br />
WEB: WeValpo.com<br />
EMAIL: WeManageValpo@gmail.com
NEW MEMBER INVESTORS<br />
MEMBERS<br />
>> NEW<br />
26 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |<br />
THE VALPO CHAMBER WELCOMES BOARD-<br />
APPROVED NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED<br />
DURING MARCH, APRIL AND MAY, <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are<br />
219 area code unless otherwise indicated.<br />
Bridge Financial<br />
Planning, LLC<br />
633 Chestnut St, Ste 600<br />
Chattanooga, TN 37450<br />
423-654-8050<br />
Justin McCurdy<br />
> Financial Advisors<br />
> Financial Services<br />
www.bridgefinancial<br />
planning.com<br />
Our CFP professionals are committed<br />
to providing comprehensive<br />
financial planning & investment<br />
management for our clients. We<br />
focus on the fundamentals and are<br />
proud to be independent, fee-only<br />
fiduciaries. With professional guidance,<br />
you'll stay in control of your<br />
finances.<br />
Coffee News<br />
219-743-5261<br />
Stephen Puchalski<br />
> Advertising/Creative &<br />
Marketing Services<br />
www.regioncoffeenews.com<br />
Coffee News is a weekly publication<br />
that is distributed, free of charge,<br />
to local restaurants, coffee shops,<br />
hotels, senior centers, physician's<br />
offices, etc. It is an entertaining,<br />
upbeat publication that provides<br />
readers with a pleasant diversion<br />
while they wait or dine. Local businesses<br />
advertise in Coffee News, giving<br />
them an inexpensive, category<br />
exclusive, and effective and highly<br />
visible outlet for their ads.<br />
Copper Custom<br />
Armament LLC<br />
2600 Beech St<br />
219-841-6532<br />
David Blythe<br />
> Firearms<br />
www.coppercustom.com<br />
Premier firearm retailer, gunsmith,<br />
and custom shop specializing in<br />
retail sales of high quality and Class<br />
3 items.<br />
Creative Marketing<br />
Sciences, Inc.<br />
630-450-7132<br />
Michelle Davulis<br />
> Advertising/Creative &<br />
Marketing Services<br />
www.creativemarketing<br />
sciences.com<br />
I specialize in digital marketing,<br />
affiliate marketing, branding, and<br />
content strategy. My skills don't end<br />
there as I work with many other experts<br />
in the field along with Liz Clay;<br />
an expert in all things content. With<br />
extensive combined experience I<br />
can tackle many other marketing<br />
channels. If I don't have the answers<br />
in-house, I have connections to<br />
resources that can fill the gaps.<br />
EDP Renewables<br />
North America LLC<br />
1501 McKinney St, Ste 1300<br />
Houston, TX 77010<br />
713-265-0350<br />
Samir Jain<br />
> Utilities<br />
www.edpr.com/north-america<br />
EDP Renewables North America<br />
LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its<br />
subsidiaries develop, construct, own,<br />
and operate wind farms and solar<br />
parks throughout North America.<br />
Fienemann Group<br />
BHHS<br />
312-371-3939<br />
Edie Fienemann<br />
> Real Estate-Commercial & Residential<br />
www.execgrp.com<br />
Fienemann Group is established<br />
through Berkshire Hathaway Home<br />
Services.<br />
GNC<br />
2268 W Hwy 30<br />
219-462-9944<br />
Robert Wiet<br />
> Health & Wellness Products & Services<br />
GNC in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>, Indiana provides<br />
exceptional customer service and<br />
superior supplement knowledge.<br />
We carry all supplements for everyone's<br />
needs.<br />
H & T Electrical<br />
Services LLC<br />
4601 Airport Rd<br />
219-472-6647<br />
Bob Harper<br />
> Electricians<br />
www.htelectricalservices.com<br />
H & T Electrical Services specializes<br />
in commercial, medical, and<br />
industrial electrical services. We<br />
provide trained professionals<br />
with knowledge, experience, and<br />
understanding on the local, state,<br />
and national electrical codes.<br />
Hero Pet Animal<br />
Hospital<br />
707 N Flynn Rd<br />
Westville 46391<br />
219-515-4376<br />
Ryan Booth<br />
> Veterinarians<br />
www.heropetanimalhospital.com<br />
Full-service animal hospital.<br />
My Style Exteriors<br />
112 Morgan Blvd<br />
815-666-2086<br />
Ryan Krusinger<br />
> Home Improvement<br />
> Roofing<br />
> Siding<br />
www.mystyleext.com<br />
General contractor providing<br />
residential and commercial exterior<br />
restoration for roofing, siding, gutters.<br />
Platinum Financial<br />
Group-Stowers<br />
& Associates<br />
954 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste D<br />
219-462-6381<br />
David Stowers<br />
> Financial Advisors<br />
www.platinumfinancial<br />
groupin.com<br />
Financial advisor group with over<br />
thirty-five years experience.<br />
The Press<br />
9 Lincolnway<br />
219-286-6079<br />
Dia Montgomery<br />
> Retail Stores<br />
www.valpopress.com<br />
An independent, experiential bookstore<br />
and coffee chop in downtown<br />
Valpo.<br />
The Puppy<br />
Emporium<br />
1101 Calumet Ave<br />
219-786-9958<br />
Rylee Briel<br />
> Pet Services/Supplies/Training<br />
www.thepuppyemporium.com<br />
We are a pet store that sells dog<br />
supplies and puppies!<br />
Smooth Finish<br />
Painting LLC<br />
219-316-5573<br />
Damian Raber<br />
> Paint Products & Services<br />
Smooth Finish Painting provides<br />
exceptional painting services for<br />
residential and commercial properties<br />
in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. Our skilled team<br />
delivers outstanding results with<br />
a focus on quality and customer<br />
satisfaction.
NW INDIANA’S PREMIER CORPORATE EVENT VENUE<br />
St. Andrew’s<br />
Episcopal Church<br />
505 Bullseye Lake Rd<br />
219-462-4946<br />
Allison Cath<br />
> Churches/Synagogues<br />
www.standrewsvalpo.org<br />
We have numerous weekly activities,<br />
in addition to three worship services<br />
each weekend.<br />
Trust Tech<br />
555 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste D<br />
219-464-9999<br />
Chris Kotul<br />
> Technology Services<br />
www.trust.tech<br />
Managed services you can<br />
TRUST…After all, it’s in our name.<br />
Trust Tech delivers secure and<br />
innovative IT solutions to forwardthinking<br />
businesses seeking<br />
efficiency and growth.<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> Vikings<br />
Quarterback Club<br />
Inc.<br />
PO Box 2232 46384<br />
Josh Rykard<br />
> Organizations<br />
www.valpovikingsqbc.org<br />
The Valpo Vikings QBC is a 501(c)(3)<br />
non-profit organization dedicated<br />
to supporting the VHS football<br />
programs and its student athletes.<br />
Valpo Excavation<br />
& Septic<br />
1101 Cumberland Crossing Dr,<br />
Ste 223<br />
219-298-2725<br />
Russ Bix<br />
> Excavation<br />
> Septic & Well<br />
www.valpoexcavation.com<br />
Valpo Excavation & Septic does excavation,<br />
septic, ponds, foundations,<br />
drainage, land clearing, trenching,<br />
utilities, and pole barns.<br />
Vanis Salon<br />
& Day Spa<br />
1620 Country Club Rd, Ste A<br />
219-465-6414<br />
Colleen Kaper<br />
> Salons/Spas<br />
www.vanis.net<br />
Vanis Salon and Day Spa is an iconic<br />
salon and spa that has been in the<br />
area for almost forty years. Vanis was<br />
built on client service and education.<br />
We have three locations, <strong>Valparaiso</strong>,<br />
Crown Point, and Schererville.<br />
Vault Bullion<br />
and Coin LLC<br />
2600 Beech St<br />
219-508-6876<br />
David Blythe<br />
> Bullion/Coin<br />
www.vaultbullionandcoin.com<br />
We specialize in buying and selling<br />
precious metal bullion and coins<br />
as well as numismatic coins and<br />
collectibles of all sorts.<br />
Wilhelmina’s<br />
829 E Lincolnway<br />
219-405-2319<br />
Jessica Thome<br />
Art Galleries<br />
> Gifts<br />
www.wilhelminasdecor.com<br />
We are an art boutique with other<br />
curated items. We feature local artists<br />
and artisans as well as unique<br />
gift items. We also offer customized<br />
event table decor rental.<br />
Woodside Pharmacy<br />
1551 Sturdy Rd<br />
219-286-3091<br />
Mo Saleh<br />
> Drug Stores & Pharmacies<br />
Compounding pharmacy services,<br />
long term care pharmacy, community<br />
retail pharmacy.<br />
Beautifully renovated to host<br />
events for 50-600 guests<br />
Contact us to start<br />
planning now<br />
WE ALWAYS STRIVE<br />
FOR EXCELLENCE<br />
But don’t just take our word for it, see what our fellow<br />
chamber members say about working with Kre-Eight<br />
WE APPRECIATE<br />
YOUR EXCELLENT<br />
WORK”<br />
WhereExceptional<br />
Business People<br />
Gather<br />
219-464-0133 portercountyexpo.com<br />
“<br />
— Jonathon Costas<br />
dish Restaurant<br />
Call 219-561-1040<br />
Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber<br />
in Northwest Indiana? Contact Brie Zacharias at<br />
(219) 462-1105 or brie@valpochamber.org.<br />
|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 27
IVY TECH<br />
Proudly Promotes<br />
EDUCATION AT THE SPEED OF LIFE.<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> Campus<br />
Michigan City &<br />
LaPorte Sites<br />
HIGHER EDUCATION DOESN’T HAVE TO COME AT A HIGHER PRICE!<br />
We major in<br />
successful careers!<br />
New classes start<br />
every few weeks.<br />
Visit IvyTech.edu to get started today!<br />
Advisors you want. Advocates you need.<br />
156 Washington St, <strong>Valparaiso</strong>, IN<br />
www.bcclegal.com p. (219) 531-0134<br />
28 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
EXCELLENT HEALTHCARE.<br />
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS.<br />
PROVEN SAVINGS.<br />
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL VISITS<br />
Near Site Clinics<br />
Franciscan Health’s HEALTHeACCESS<br />
program partners with employers to<br />
improve the health of their employees.<br />
HEALTHeACCESS near site healthcare<br />
clinics are shared by multiple employers<br />
to increase access to care while<br />
decreasing employer medical costs.<br />
CONTACT US TODAY<br />
FranciscanHealth.org/HealtheAccess<br />
866-552-WELL (9355)<br />
HEALTHeACCESS<br />
• High-quality primary and urgent care services for<br />
employees and their dependents<br />
• A convenient network of near site clinics located<br />
throughout Indiana. Large model near site employer<br />
clinics and on-site options available<br />
• Enhanced wellness and disease management programs<br />
• Specialist referrals and access to advanced care such<br />
as behavioral or physical therapy<br />
• Fixed monthly fees<br />
• Fair pricing structure with tiered pricing based on<br />
use and number of employees<br />
Results for Employers<br />
• Improved employee and dependent health<br />
• Increased productivity<br />
• Reduced absences<br />
• Greater employee satisfaction<br />
• Healthcare cost savings<br />
OCCH030223NI
AROUND TOWN<br />
>> AROUND<br />
TOWN<br />
Around Town is an important<br />
element to the<br />
local business coverage<br />
of <strong>Valparaiso</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
Submissions are permitted<br />
by chamber member<br />
businesses only. Articles<br />
are business announcements<br />
- i.e. awards, new<br />
additions to staff or promotion<br />
of title, and change<br />
of business location. Sales<br />
promotions, advertisements,<br />
or coupon ads may<br />
not be accepted. Submissions<br />
must be 150 words or<br />
less, are subject to approval,<br />
and may be edited.<br />
Send your submissions to<br />
info@valpochamber.org<br />
Berkshire Hathaway<br />
HomeServices<br />
Executive Group<br />
Change is constant in<br />
the business world, and<br />
adapting to it is key for<br />
success and growth. In an<br />
exciting move that marks<br />
a new chapter for the<br />
Berkshire Hathaway Home-<br />
Services Executive Group,<br />
the esteemed real estate<br />
firm is relocating to 150<br />
Lincolnway, Suite 2000,<br />
in the vibrant downtown<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> area. After 41<br />
years in their previous location,<br />
this move not only<br />
demonstrates the commitment<br />
of Larry Hitz, Broker/<br />
Owner, to evolve with the<br />
times but also highlights<br />
the opportunities and<br />
potential that lie ahead<br />
in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>’s bustling<br />
urban center.<br />
Community Care<br />
Network<br />
Community Care Network,<br />
Inc. has been<br />
recognized as one of<br />
America’s Greatest<br />
Workplaces for Women<br />
<strong>2023</strong> by Newsweek and<br />
Plant-A Insights Group.<br />
The healthcare providers<br />
and staff of Community<br />
Care Network, Inc. are<br />
affiliated with Community<br />
Healthcare System and<br />
draw on the expertise and<br />
resources of Community<br />
Hospital in Munster, St.<br />
Catherine Hospital in<br />
East Chicago, St. Mary<br />
Medical Center in Hobart<br />
and Community Stroke &<br />
Rehabilitation Center in<br />
Crown Point. Alan Kumar,<br />
Chief Operating Officer<br />
for Community Healthcare<br />
System and Administrator<br />
for Community<br />
Care Network, Inc. said<br />
Community Care Network<br />
takes pride in its workplace<br />
and is committed<br />
to providing a supportive<br />
environment for its employees.<br />
Newsweek and<br />
Plant-A Insights Group<br />
recognized the America’s<br />
Greatest Workplaces for<br />
Women by conducting<br />
a large-scale employer<br />
study based on more<br />
than 224,000 company<br />
reviews. For information<br />
about Community Care<br />
Network and Community<br />
Healthcare System, visit<br />
COMHS.org. To join the<br />
amazing team at Community<br />
Healthcare System,<br />
visit COMHS.org/careers.<br />
GNC<br />
The GNC in <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
was acknowledged on<br />
May 10th <strong>2023</strong> at the<br />
GNC convention in Las<br />
Vegas. There were very<br />
limited awards given<br />
out that night, and the<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> GNC won an<br />
award for being number<br />
1 in the country for sales<br />
comp increase! Robert<br />
Wiet acquired the store<br />
in 2021 from the previous<br />
franchise owner, and<br />
had quite a bit of work<br />
ahead of him to turn the<br />
store around. With the<br />
right customer service,<br />
product knowledge and<br />
getting involved in the<br />
community, he did just<br />
that! He turned it into a<br />
family owned and operated<br />
award winning store!<br />
Robert really encourages<br />
everyone in the community<br />
to stop in and check<br />
us out! We will help you<br />
with all of your health and<br />
fitness goals!<br />
Horizon Bank<br />
Indiana State Senator<br />
Mike Bohacek and State<br />
Representative Jim Pressel<br />
recently presented<br />
Horizon Bank’s Chairman<br />
and CEO, Craig M. Dwight<br />
with the state’s highest<br />
honor, a Sagamore of<br />
the Wabash Award for<br />
his civic leadership and<br />
significant contributions<br />
to his community. The<br />
Sagamore of the Wabash<br />
Award is considered the<br />
highest distinction in<br />
Indiana and is a personal<br />
tribute usually given to<br />
those who have rendered<br />
a distinguished service<br />
to the state. Governor<br />
Eric Holcomb received<br />
support for Craig’s vast<br />
contributions to the<br />
community from Michele<br />
Magnuson, Horizon<br />
Bancorp’s Lead Director,<br />
whose words of Craig’s<br />
accomplishments and<br />
community service were<br />
instrumental in securing<br />
this award.<br />
30 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
LPL Financial<br />
Dan Wilburn of LPL Financial<br />
was recently ranked<br />
No. 90 in Indiana in the annual<br />
Best-In-State Wealth<br />
Advisors list published<br />
by Forbes. According to<br />
Forbes, the annual list<br />
highlights over 2,000 of<br />
the nation’s top-performing<br />
advisors, nominated by<br />
their firms and then evaluated<br />
based on a qualitative<br />
algorithm and quantitative<br />
criteria administered by<br />
SHOOK Research. The<br />
criteria includes interviews,<br />
industry experience,<br />
community involvement,<br />
revenue trends and client<br />
retention. Dan Wilburn has<br />
been providing financial<br />
services to more than 250<br />
clients in the Northwest<br />
Indiana area for over 30<br />
years. Wilburn provides a<br />
full range of financial services,<br />
including retirement<br />
and financial planning,<br />
individual money management,<br />
individual stocks and<br />
bonds, mutual funds, annuities<br />
and more. Wilburn<br />
is an LPL Financial advisor.<br />
LPL is the nation’s largest<br />
independent broker-dealer<br />
and a leader in the retail<br />
financial advice market,<br />
providing resources,<br />
tools and technology that<br />
support advisors in their<br />
work to enrich their clients’<br />
financial lives.<br />
Northwest<br />
Medical Group<br />
Northwest Medical Group<br />
recently welcomed Jennifer<br />
Aversano, FNP-C, a<br />
family nurse practitioner<br />
with a special interest<br />
in cancer care. Aversano<br />
joined the practice<br />
of Tareq Braik, M.D., and<br />
Mary Klein, M.D., at Northwest<br />
Health – Hematology<br />
& Oncology in the Medical<br />
Plaza adjacent to Northwest<br />
Health – Porter at 85<br />
E. US Highway 6 in <strong>Valparaiso</strong>.<br />
Aversano received<br />
both her master and her<br />
bachelor of science in nursing<br />
from Chamberlain College<br />
of Nursing in Downers<br />
Grove, Illinois. As an advanced<br />
practice nurse, she<br />
provides assessment and<br />
treatment for benign and<br />
malignant blood disorders,<br />
as well as for lung, breast,<br />
gastrointestinal and head<br />
and neck cancers. To<br />
schedule an appointment<br />
with Aversano, Dr. Braik<br />
or Dr. Klein, call 219-983-<br />
6260. Medicare, Medicaid<br />
and most insurance plans<br />
are welcome.<br />
Junk removal<br />
Done Right!<br />
• Eco-friendly mission<br />
• Exceptional service<br />
• Honest pricing<br />
• Same-day availability<br />
Book a free estimate today!<br />
1-800-LUG-JUNK • Junkluggers.com<br />
CATS, DOGS & EXOTICS<br />
Compassionate care that pets & people<br />
have looked up to for 80 years<br />
219-462-5901<br />
651 Eastport Centre Dr., <strong>Valparaiso</strong> www.mcafeeah.com<br />
M•A•H<br />
Pet Care for Cats, Dogs & Exotics<br />
Preventive Care | Dentistry<br />
Surgical Care | Boarding & More<br />
219-462-5901<br />
651 Eastport Centre Dr. | <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
www.mcafeeah.com<br />
Take Control of Your Future<br />
Whether you’re buying your first house or planning for<br />
your golden years, it may be time for a second opinion.<br />
We know it’s been a tough few years, but we’re here<br />
to help you get on track. Give us a call and ask for<br />
fiduciary Tim Scannell, CPA, CFP ® .<br />
(219) 531-4941 or email<br />
greatlakes@hightoweradvisors.com<br />
(219) 531-4941<br />
hightowergreatlakes.com<br />
Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA/<br />
SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment advisor.<br />
|<br />
Great Lakes<br />
ValpoChamber.org 31
At Valpo, we're proud to share our name with<br />
our city and blessed to be able to impact our<br />
community in big ways.<br />
11,474<br />
Valpo alumni call Northwest<br />
Indiana home<br />
26<br />
volunteer hours completed<br />
in the Region by each<br />
Valpo student<br />
400<br />
students participate annually for<br />
>2,000<br />
hours on Day of Caring<br />
31%<br />
of Valpo alumni reside<br />
in Chicagoland<br />
>$500,000<br />
donated to the local Children's<br />
Miracle Network Hospital by Valpo<br />
students during the annual Dance<br />
Marathon fundraiser<br />
>800<br />
community members employed<br />
by <strong>Valparaiso</strong> University<br />
valpo.edu
If you need to get across the City, to Chicago, or need to get to the South Shore<br />
Train Station, Valpo Transit has a bus to get you there! Valpo Transit offers<br />
features like bus tracking and mobile ticketing to make your trip affordable,<br />
reliable, and efficient. Visit Valpotransit.com for routes and schedules.<br />
For the commuter who wants flexibility in their schedule, the South Shore Connect is<br />
for you! The South Shore Connect has six bus departures to Dune Park Train Station<br />
every day, allowing you to travel to Chicago or South Bend with ease.<br />
Free Parking is located in <strong>Valparaiso</strong> at 260 Brown St.<br />
Make your commute stress free! Sit back, Relax and enjoy the ride.<br />
The ChicaGO Dash has five bus departures every Monday through Friday to and from<br />
Chicago. With airplane -style seating, the Dash buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi,<br />
bike racks and lavatories to make your commute in comfort and ease.<br />
service throughout the City of <strong>Valparaiso</strong>. The V-line can take<br />
you to the City's top destinations! Whether it be just down the<br />
street, across the city, or downtown for an event, the V-Line will get you there!<br />
Providing trustworthy, safe and costefective<br />
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|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 33
VALPO VIEWFINDER<br />
VIEWFINDER<br />
>> VALPO<br />
Wellman's on U.S. 30 —<br />
Dining Room, Cocktail<br />
Lounge and Bowling<br />
Lanes. Photos from a<br />
1958 postcard.<br />
THE<br />
TASTE<br />
OF<br />
REMINISCING WITH<br />
VALPO’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS<br />
By Kelleen Cullison and Chris Hough<br />
The memory of a longtime restaurant can be singularly<br />
nostalgic; maybe it’s the way the taste of something cements<br />
it in our memory, or the familiarity of sitting in that one<br />
booth every Friday night with loved ones no longer with<br />
us. It can make people passionate, even adamant that no<br />
turkey will ever top Strongbow’s, or that they’ll never have a<br />
better burger than at Azar’s. <strong>Valparaiso</strong> has no shortage of<br />
restaurants to reminisce over, but without the space to do<br />
them all justice, we’re focusing on three community staples;<br />
Wellman’s Restaurant, the Court, and The Big Wheel.<br />
The Many Hats of Wellman’s<br />
Wellman’s restaurant, originally Wellman’s Corral, wore many<br />
hats. Founded by legendary local businessman Bill Wellman,<br />
what began as a dining hall evolved into a dinner-and-show<br />
venue, the Bridge-Vu Theatre, which opened in 1969. On<br />
opening night, the building’s renovations weren’t complete,<br />
but the dining service and<br />
entertainment were lauded<br />
overall, despite the noted<br />
challenges.<br />
An unfinished kitchen meant food was prepared in the main<br />
dining room, and there wasn’t enough prepared to feed the<br />
packed house. But overall, the place was a success. Three years<br />
later Wellman’s was hosting about 19 performances a year,<br />
and included big bands and on “Weird Nights” featured ESP<br />
experts. In 1974, the venue scheduled big names like Mickey<br />
Rooney, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra Jr. Soon after,<br />
Wellman sold and moved onto bigger projects like the Holiday<br />
Star Inn of Merrillville. After a short stint with other investors, the<br />
restaurant came into the hands of a former Wellman employee<br />
Emile Pattyn and briefly became Pat’s Place.<br />
Bill Wellman's Court Restaurant at Franklin St. and Indina Ave.<br />
Photo from the Feb 23, 1975 edition of <strong>Valparaiso</strong> Vidette Messenger.<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong> Vidette Messenger, <strong>Valparaiso</strong>, Indiana, US<br />
February 21, 1975, Page 1<br />
A <strong>Valparaiso</strong> Cornerstone<br />
https://newspaperarchive.com/advertisement-clipping-feb-21-1975-3895759/<br />
Wellman also founded The Court when he and investors<br />
bought out Club Royalee in 1974. It was located on the same<br />
corner as Paréa is today, across from the old courthouse<br />
that was its inspiration. Most of the interior was refurbished<br />
decor from Chicagoland and other surrounding areas. The<br />
doors were from a 19th century home in Springfield, IL.<br />
The southern-facing stained glass was from St. Mary Mercy<br />
Hospital in Gary, and the iconic old jail cell that served as a<br />
secluded booth was salvaged from a wrecker junkyard in<br />
Kankakee IL. The spacious second floor hosted receptions,<br />
weddings, and events for groups such as the Kiwanis, the<br />
Jaycees and the Jayshees, several fraternal and sororal<br />
orders, and others. Wellman would go on to accept a 1974<br />
Community Improvement award for the establishment (which<br />
he also won in 1970 for the Bridge-Vu Dinner Theatre!)<br />
The Big Wheel’s Turn in<br />
Valpo’s Culinary History<br />
And finally, before the corner of Lincolnway and Roosevelt was<br />
a Horizon Bank, it was the site of the Big Wheel, a franchise<br />
diner establishment that developed a devoted customer base.<br />
The lot was originally purchased in 1963 by Willard Lowe and<br />
his wife Patti from Mr. Lowe’s mother, Hattie Low Pierce. Once<br />
operational, the restaurant was run and managed by Joan<br />
Pierce Shroeder, a sibling of Willard, and her husband Richard.<br />
34 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
With the benefit of opening<br />
early, closing at midnight,<br />
and dedicated regulars,<br />
the Valpo Big Wheel<br />
stayed in business for over<br />
40 years. When they closed<br />
in November 2006, the final<br />
days were packed with<br />
longtime customers. Joan<br />
was there through the very last day, running the floor and refilling<br />
the beloved wooden wheel with DumDum suckers. A local<br />
report noted that as Big Wheel closed, some final customers<br />
left clutching menus and coffee cups.<br />
A Long History of Familiar Favorites<br />
These are just three of many beloved former establishments.<br />
There’s also Orange Bowl, Azar’s, Lembke Hotel, The<br />
Gathering, College Inn, Valpo Waffle Shop, Varsity Grill, Jade<br />
East, Shoney’s, Shakey’s, and Perkins, to name a few. Each of<br />
these establishments rests fondly in the city’s memory and<br />
deserves their due credit in Valpo’s history.<br />
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Our thanks to the Genealogy Department of the Porter<br />
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TOGETHER...<br />
we are stronger<br />
Porter County<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
Est. 1996<br />
STRENGTHENING<br />
OUR COMMUNITY<br />
THROUGH<br />
LASTING<br />
GENEROSITY<br />
& LEADERSHIP<br />
|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 35
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|<br />
ValpoChamber.org 37
FINAL THOUGHT<br />
THOUGHT<br />
>> FINALA KEY<br />
TO DOWNTOWN VALPARAISO'S<br />
One of the major compliments I hear from<br />
guests and visitors of <strong>Valparaiso</strong> is that<br />
they marvel at the ambiance of our downtown.<br />
We have lots of reasons for<br />
its viability and strength. However one of<br />
the basic core reasons was the decision<br />
nearly 20 years ago to go after 10 liquor<br />
permits that would be owned by the city<br />
and used as an incentive to attract restaurants<br />
to the downtown which would<br />
attract activity and focus for people to<br />
visit the downtown.<br />
No question about it, other important<br />
actions were taken such as rebuilding<br />
the curbs and gutters and replacing the<br />
sidewalks with new ones. Infrastructure<br />
investment was an important element.<br />
Then came the new Central Park and<br />
the Band Shell and Stage, then the iceskating<br />
park and pavilion. All of these<br />
have greatly contributed to <strong>Valparaiso</strong>'s<br />
downtown appeal. However, the restaurants<br />
that were attracted by the liquor<br />
permits really have brought continuous<br />
growing interest in attracting folks to visit<br />
the downtown on a regular basis.<br />
Within the last five years, desire to live<br />
downtown and enjoy the various amenities<br />
and restaurants has grown tremendously.<br />
Apartments and town houses<br />
have been built and more are planned.<br />
Folks want to live downtown. People of<br />
all ages from all walks of life want to be<br />
downtown to enjoy the close benefits of<br />
walking to activities. A new hotel is even<br />
being planned two blocks off Lincolnway.<br />
By Rex G. Richards, CCE<br />
President, Valpo Chamber<br />
This past legislative session the city<br />
went after five more liquor permits and<br />
thanks to our legislators from Valpo, we<br />
got them. The city will use them in the<br />
same fashion, keeping the ownership<br />
for a small one-time fee. The permits are<br />
owned by the city and if the restaurant<br />
goes out of business or wants to move out<br />
of the central business district the permit<br />
is returned to the city for distribution to<br />
someone else. There is a procedure for<br />
obtaining the permits.<br />
Our city is seen as a model for other cities<br />
desiring to replicate what <strong>Valparaiso</strong> has<br />
done with liquor permits to attract dining<br />
in their downtown. One might wonder<br />
what the incentive of a liquor permit is<br />
owned by the city. If a liquor permit becomes<br />
available on the open market it has<br />
been sold recently for nearly $300,000<br />
dollars. This is one of the most expensive<br />
elements if a restaurant opens and wants<br />
to have a liquor permit. Obtaining one<br />
from the city for a one-time small fee is a<br />
tremendous incentive economically.<br />
Our downtown is truly the center point of<br />
attraction to our town.<br />
38 SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> |
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