By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

A good meal for a reasonable price served in a welcoming environment can be hard to find. Look no further than the Willows Restaurant, 2669 W. Washington St.

The Willows has offered up delicious meals in a family atmosphere for the last eight years. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant was a dream of owner Janet LaRoche and her husband, who are originally from Ohio. They have a camp locally and her husband’s parents have retired here.

‘We just love the area — I know my husband wants to retire here too,’ said LaRoche.

When she saw the building for sale, she mentioned the opportunity to her husband. The couple considered the new adventure for some time before jumping in with both feet.

She admits that she didn’t exactly know what she was doing at first.

‘I have always been around the bar and grill atmosphere but there are a lot of differences when it comes to running a restaurant,’ said LaRoche. ‘Over the last 8 years now, I think I finally got it.’

These days, the restaurant is still a family affair Willows… page A-8

Janet LaRoche, Victoria Pire and Christina Williams with The Willows Restaurant.

Photo provided — with LaRoche and her two daughters staffing the place, in addition to her other workers.

Popular menu items include the open faced roast beef sandwiches, as well as burgers and wings. They also offer more substantial meals such as ribeye and strip steak, pork chops and grilled chicken.

“I would say that we offer a little bit of everything,” said LaRoche.

She often fills the cook position herself. She enjoys creating hearty favorites such as meatloaf and chicken parmesan.

“The cooking I do here is like the cooking I would do at home for my own family,” said LaRoche.

She noted that they make almost everything from scratch.

“I pat my own burgers, which are made out of fresh ground meat so you are getting a burger like you would make at home,” said LaRoche. “Our steaks are all delivered fresh every week.”

They also have a fish fry on Fridays and drink specials throughout the month.

The cozy, tight-knit community created at The Willows is one of LaRoche’s favorite parts of owning the business.

“You know you have a happy customer when they come back again,” said LaRoche. “Over the years those familiar faces have become close friends.”

She describes herself as a people person. “I am often cooking so I am behind closed doors but I love when I can get out and chat with folks,” said LaRoche. “There are a few people who will stick their heads back into the kitchen and tell me that their meal was good, and that is a great feeling.”

The Willows Restaurant is involved in supporting sportsmen and hobbyists in the local community.

“We do a lot of the fishing tournaments — we host a kids fishing tournament every year at the beginning of August and sometimes do a women’s fishing tournament,” said LaRoche.

They are also strong supporters of the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club and Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club.

To keep up with sales and menu items, follow The Willows Restaurant on Facebook.