Lakewood Grill- History in the Making

Tim Wenger | March 1, 2014 | 0 Comments

by Angela Kerr

“The Lakewood Grill was built in 1950 and attained their liquor license in 1951,” according to Myette Keranen a tenured veteran and bar tender who has devoted ten years to the company. As a matter of record, the building originally was constructed in what was then unincorporated JeffcoCounty which finally became the City of Lakewood in 1969. Myette adds: “Back then all of the local politicians like the Mayor and the Police Chief would have lunch here everyday.”

Sitting down with Myette and current owner Thu Than a true entrepreneurial spirit is evoked as I listened to how their team creatively and cost effectively solved problems. Thu states: “This is a brother and sister operation,” as she gave me an insider’s view on the making of the current Lakewood Grill (LWG). Purchasing the business on March 10, 2012 in partnership with her brother Van, LWG was given a total facelift. “All the walls needed painting; we changed out all the lighting and spent a month cleaning every corner down on our hands and knees. I personally designed the makeover of the tables gathering pin up art from the 40’s and 50’s and sealing the images on the table tops with epoxy and resin.”

Both Thu and Van had background in the bar and casino business, but no experience in restaurants. Thu smiles and says: “Van is the man. He had to observe every detail of the operation to learn how everything worked.” She suggested that her role was in the back office and with the development of the menu, where she insisted upon fresh. “We make everything…right down to the mozzarella sticks – nothing is frozen.” With this statement, she gets up, orders me the sticks and delivers a delicious appetizer which met her description.

When asking Thu about some of the challenges they have faced as new owners of the Grill, she suggested: “We completely changed the branding and the menu and we worked really hard at attracting new customers.” Thu and Van have been quite successful at doing just that. Sporting a large outdoor heated patio for smokers which was built 10 years ago, their clients enjoy being outside even during the winter months. In addition, they offer an array of cable sports channels and host Pool, Karaoke, Trivia as well as a monthly line up of live bands. LWG also provides a home to many private parties and events which are hosted free of charge and are brought to them by their satisfied clients.

Open Monday through Friday from 11:00a.m.to 2:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. LWG customer favorites include: Breakfast Favorite – The Postman: One chili Relleno, two eggs and hash browns smothered with green chili, melted jack and Colby cheese $7.50. Lunch/Dinner Favorite – The Colfax Burger: Ground chuck, jalapeno cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon and pickle for $ 9.00. As for LWG Originals: Bruno’s Paisano Pie – Since 1971…Italian sausage patty topped with a roasted Anaheim chili wrapped in Italian pizza crust, deep fried then topped with house marinara and mozzarella for $9.50.

When asking about what has made them such successful business model Myette relates: “Van and Thu listen to their employees and their customers and it makes all the difference.” I can see how that is a recipe for fresh!

Online: thelakewoodgrill.com