NEWS - 11.1.05 - 12.16.05

 

 

 

 

 

Moving just a quarter-mile down U.S. 30 to a newly-renovated location has been received so positively for Valparaiso mainstay, Kelsey's Steakhouse, owner Ken Blaney, Jr. wonders why the establishment did't make the transition years before.

The move was five years in the making for the Irish steakhouse. But the steady pour of customers, new and old, through its newly-remodeled doors since its official opening on Nov. 4 has proven the work to do so very worthwhile.

The restaurant hired 20 new staff members to handle the expected increase in business following the new location opening, new acquirements that became absolutely necessary. "We're all glad we got more people to help us out, because we've had such an explosion of business since we opened here," Blaney said in his restaurant's new dining hall.

 

From renting to owning facility

Plans to move started in 2000. But the opportunity for the perfect, new spot didn't present itself until 2004. This was when the building housing Denny's restaurant on U.S. 30 and Sturdy Road went up for sale.

Blaney and his family merely rented their old location next to Valparaiso University. The prospect of being sole owner of his restaurant's facility through buying the former Denny's location and moving his business seemed a do-able improvement.

"When you have a business, it's always beneficial to own the place you're in. We all agreed it was time to accomplish this goal we've had for a long time," Blaney explained.

Hard work required

Of course, the relocation was no breezy task. The Denny's facility had to be completely gutted. A brand new, 1,800-square foot area also had to be added to the west side of the building to accomodate plans for more seating.

Surprisingly, Blaney and his family managed to do all the interior work themselves. Blaney and his father handled the electrical and construction projects, while their wives and daughters took care of the interior design. The family hired a local architectual firm and team of contractors to re-do the outside of the building.

Renovations started in March when Kelsey's officially acquired the property.

Improved features for the new location include:

Famed Local Steakhouse Moves

Owners and patrons agree Nov.1 re-location's well-done

 

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• More seating for expanded non-smoking and smoking sections

• New bar area, 3-times larger than bar at former location

• Adults non-smoking and smoking sections catering to couples on dates near bar

• 4 new TVs in bar area, including 2, 60-inch flat screen TVs

• 20 newly trained staff members

The controversy over Howie was sparked by a Valparaiso zoning rule requiring smaller signs than what the steer's meaty presence allows.

1,800 patrons of the steakhouse and admirers of Howie signed a petition to allow the landmark to move. This, in turn, caused the zoning board of Valparaiso to grant a variance permitting Howie's trek down U.S. 30 to the new restaurant location.

THE TIMES Howie the Steer moved to his new location Saturday in front of the new Kelsey's Steak & Seafood restaurant on U.S. 30.

THE TIMES Howie the steer gets ready for his big move on Oct. 11 by getting a fresh coat of paint.

"Howie seems happy in his new home," Blaney said with a laugh. The restaurant's customers and Blaney himself seem pleased with it, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the official website for Kelsey's Steakhouse for directions, menu information, and hours of operation:

www.kelseyssteakhouse.com

View past stories on Howie and Kelsey's Steakhouse from local publications:

From The Times:

Howie moooves!

No bum steer- Howie looking good for mooove

From the Post-Tribune:

Howie finds new home: Latest relocation of Northwest Indiana icon draws crowd

 

 

You can contact the story author with questions or comments at Chelsea.Oxton@valpo.edu.