Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Spain.
Mark, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I retired from Inland Steel Company after 33 years. My wife and I were looking for a small family style type of business. We purchased the restaurant in June 1999 where my wife’s mother worked as a cook.
We are a family business of 18 years serving steak, seafood and sandwiches in a casual down to earth atmosphere. Lake Perch is our number one seller. Our building was built in 1898 with a long history. We named our business Traditions after the many restaurant owners before us.
Our website can give an even better understanding of what we are all about. http://www.traditionsrestaurant.com/about/history
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been some difficult times over 18 years. Coming into a business which we had no real experience required a learning curve for several years. A particular financial difficulty would be the recession in 2008. Times were difficult for everyone when the economy and market hit all-time lows. Staying in business was touch and go for several quarters.
Traditions Restaurant & Pub – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a family owned business serving steak, seafood and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. We are a casual environment with a sports theme in the bar area supporting all of the professional Chicago teams and many college teams.
We serve homemade soups, salad dressings with many specials daily. Some of our specials include pot roast, slow cooked prime rib, filet, rib eyes, sirloin ,barbecue ribs, lake perch, blue gill, salmon, sea bass, crab legs and much more. Our staff is friendly, courteous and efficient. Many employees have been with us over 15 years.
We have won local tasting contests for our Lake Perch, Prime Rib and Pot Roast.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is being able to maintain and build upon our customers, hearing the many compliments from regular customers and first time customers.
Being able to pay our suppliers in a timely fashion and never missing a payroll for our employees.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2739 Highway Ave. Highland, Indiana
- Phone: 219-838-3100
- Website: http://www.traditionsrestaurant.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraditionsRestaurantandPub/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
