The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 7, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 March 1990 — Page 48

PROGRESS EDITION — Wed., March 28,1990

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Gropp's is famous for tasty fish

"We want to be committed to quality food and good service while also being conscious of the wants and needs of our customers because they're important to us,” commented John Oyler, manager/chef at Gropp's Restaurant in Syracuse. Gropp's, located on SR 13 South, has been owned and operated by Herschel and Charlotte Wells of Syracuse since they purchased the franchise in 1983. The popular restaurant has become a favorite of many area residents who return time and time again for the delicious fish that is Gropp’s mainstay. “The patented Gropp’s spice mix along with the frying method that we use has given our fish entrees the unique taste that has made it such a popular item with our customers," said Oyler. Oyler noted that although Gropp’s does a tremendous amount of business in fish entrees, the restaurant also has other quality choices on the menu. “Most of our customers come in here for our fish but we also have prime rib as well as other seafood items available,” stated Oyler. Gropp's, which can accommodate about 150 diners at its Syracuse location, is a restaurant that is comfortable for all types of diners. “We have a lot of loyal, regular customers who include senior citizens, families and white collar businessmen and we want everyone to feel comfortable when they’re dining with us,” said Oyler. Oyler emphasized that another important factor at Gropp’s is the awareness of health consciousness with the food that is served. "Our menu stresses health awareness with the items that we serve and it has been approved by the Kosciusko Community Hospital because of its emphasis on.foods that are conscious of a good, healthy meal,”

Syracuse- Wawasee C of Cis making progress with beautification project

By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer The major thrust for the SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Commerce in the next several years is “Beautification,” said the chamber’s president, Jim Caskey. “It is our biggest long-term project,” he noted, adding, “many years have been spent on it and we will continue to spend time on it.” Chaired by Bill Beemer, the beautification project has been a priority of the chamber for at least the last four years. The project was given the go ahead at a chamber luncheon in 1987 when chamber members voted to proceed. At that time, then president Jim Evans commented, “We need to establish a direction and take off. Let’s stop talking and get something done. ’ ’ While an executive committee was established in late 1989 to direct beautification, efforts have been made to involve all chamber members in the special project. A survey inviting members’ input on beautification was sent out with results being reported at the chamber’s quarterly luncheon in March of 1989, for example. Architecture students from Ball State University completed their own rendering of the project, and these results were also offered to chamber members at the annual dinner in July of 1989. The students’ suggestions were based on the premise that all

Full range of services are available at Doll's Decorating

Staff members at Doll’s Decorating Center in Milford pride themselves on knowing their business and providing their service in a friendly fashion. Now in her 16th year as owner of the shop, Becky Doll assures, “We’re very good at what we do.” What Becky, Sue Losee and Julie Eldridge do is provide a full range of decorating services, from helping choose wallpaper from over 500 sample books, to custom-mixing paint. Becky also does extensive field consulting work, going into homes and offices. The store, located at 124 South Main Street, is well stocked with the wallpaper books, floor coverings and window treatments. The variety is excellent but customers won’t get the chance to be bewildered. They’ll get plenty of help from Becky, Julie or Sue. “We never turn you loose,” says Becky. “Unless you want to be.”

said Oyler. Describing the small, family-owned Gropp’s franchises as kind of a “Mom and Pop" operation, Oyler noted that the popular restaurant also does a large volume of carry-out business. He added that the restaurant features a hot buffet lunch special with a salad bar featuring a majority of items made from scratch. “We stress quality with our salad bar which can be included with all of our dinner selections also,” stated Oyler. In addition to their high-quality, deepfried Alaskan pollock that Gropp’s is renowned for, the restaurant menu also includes several home baked desert items including fresh pies. The desert menu also features ice cream as well as low-fat yogurt. Gropp’s, which has been located at its current location since 1986 (in the building that formerly housed the Windjammer Restaurant), also features rotating specials for lunch and dinner diners throughout the week. The restaurant can also accommodate banquets for occasions such as weddings and business meetings. “We can accommodate up to 100 persons comfortably for a banquet and we can be quite flexible with our menu, catering to what the specific group wants,” said Oyler, who has been involved in area food operation since 1973. Gropp’s also serves cocktails as well as beer and wine for the diner who desires an after dinner drink. “We feel that we have a good rapport with our customers and we strive to let them know that they're important to us and that we appreciate it when they choose Gropp’s for their meal,” concluded Oyler.

changes would entail saving the rich history of the town and village, while trying to bring some unity to the two areas. Building on that premise and the results of the chamber survey, the executive committee is moving forward with initial shortterm goals for beautification. Continuing on with the theme for the improvements made at Syracuse Lakeside Park, the executive committee is encouraging businesses and residences to participate in beautification by adding decorative lighting and pavers (bricks). Plans are already underway for installing pavers and lighting in an uptown area of Syracuse with the hopes of continuing the project through the village area. Caskey added the Harkless Foundation has made some funds available for beautification. Besides beautification, Caskey said he sees the chamber working more and more with Warsaw in the promotion of the county within the next few years. In addition, he noted research is continuing on the feasibility of an executive director for the chamber. Also, as an arm of the chamber, the development company is trying to pursue some grounds in Syracuse with the hope of attracting new industry. Officers serving on the board of directors of the chamber are: Jim Caskey, president; Chad Smyth, vice president; Mike Tallon, treasurer; and Jeanne Gardiner, secretary.

Installation services afe also provided. “Anything that we sell we will help you get installed,” she assures. As for those people who favor do-it-yourself paper-hanging, here’s your chance. When a customer purchases rolls, “we give a crash course on hanging your own wallpaper.” The store offers one more service — picture framing. In fact, that’s the fastest growing area of business. ‘“We have over 500 mats in stock,” Becky explains. “Plus frames and a dry-mount press for permanently preserving photos and prints so they won’t wrinkle. ” A fine selection and good service (Julie and Sue, like Becky, have many years of experience) are hallmarks of Doll’s Decorating Center. So is the good attitude — as Becky observes, “We have a ball in here.”