Michelle’s restaurant will open in CJ Thursday, March 20
New restaurateur Michelle Hendrix (Photo by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
From our weekly issue dated March 19, 2008
Michelle’s restaurant will open in CJ Thursday, March 20
A long-held dream to open a family restaurant is coming true for Michelle & Sean Hendrix, longtime valley residents who have purchased Stevereno’s Family Restaurant and will operate it as ‘Michelle’s’.
“I’ve been in the restaurant business for about 20 years,” said Michelle Hendrix. When Steve & Johnna Anderson decided to sell their business, Hendrix, who has worked for Anderson for several years, was ready for the opportunity to take over.
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‘Michelle’s’ will open Thursday, March 20, after some changes made during the preceding Monday through Wednesday. A grand opening is planned for Tuesday, April 1.
Hendrix said that she has many regular customers who can count on their favorite items remaining on the menu.
“Customers can expect the same great service and home cooking,” she said. “They’ve pretty much voiced to me what they like during the six years I’ve been here, so I have a good idea of what they want. For some it’s like home away from home.”
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She said that changes, though subtle at first, will be geared toward improved quality and value. Those items will include an expanded salad bar, double burgers and broasted chicken, Hendrix said. She also will keep the restaurant open for more hours.
“We’re going to open at 6 a.m. to cater to the working people,” she said, “and stay open until 9 p.m.
“I want it to be a family restaurant that caters to everybody: the elderly and the younger generation. People with kids, teen-agers,
20-somethings. We want to cater to everyone.
“Ours is a family with five children,” said Hendrix, gesturing to her and Sean’s sons, so, “We know how expensive it is to go out to eat, so we want it to be good. I feel that we can offer a fair price and give a good meal.”
Pointing to some equipment behind the coffee counter, Hendrix said that she’ll be offering more ice cream and soda-fountain style items this summer.
One of the biggest changes will be to bring satellite broadcast sports to the lounge.
“We are going to be running grand opening specials, and carry fights and other sporting events,” Hendrix said. “I’d like to draw in more of a ‘sports crowd.’ I know there are a lot of folks in the valley who would appreciate having a place to gather and watch sports.”
Noting that Johnna Anderson will be staying on as kitchen manager to help through the transition, Hendrix said, “I want to wish Steve congratulations on his retirement.
“And I want to thank Steve & Johnna for all their years of service to the valley.”
Beginning Thursday, March 20, Michelle’s will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Michelle Binker
