For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of owning my own restaurant. Owning Mary’s Kitchen makes that dream come true for myself, my wife Maggie, and our son Stewart.

I have been working at Mary’s Diner for 14 years, six as a manager, and Maggie has been in the restaurant industry for 20 years. To have this opportunity means everything to us.

Mary’s Kitchen, which was owned by Mary’s Diner owners Neil and Nicole LaRusch, was established along the lake 75 years ago, and has a loyal customer base. We are committed to the legacy of this place.

Mary’s Kitchen is a blessing for us in so many ways. The seasonal opening of the restaurant makes it the perfect investment for us as a family, as our son, Stewart, has some very special needs. We spend a lot of time at the doctors and in hospitals with Stewart, so being open five months out of the year is very possible for us given his health issues.