12/24/2025
Today I closed the doors on something much bigger than a restaurant.
Donzelle’s was opened in 1962 by my grandparents, Donzelle and Dick, and it has stood in the same place ever since. What began as their dream grew into a family legacy. The restaurant was passed down to my dad, Larry, and my uncle Russell, and eventually to me as a third-generation owner. I took on the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
I was taught by the very best. My grandmother Donzelle, my dad Larry, and my uncle Russell taught me what it truly means to work hard, stay consistent, love people, and take pride in what you serve. Their lessons shaped not only how I ran this business, but who I am as a person.
Russell helped set the tone with kindness and class, making everyone feel welcome the moment they walked through the door. And my dad, Larry — his work ethic, steady presence, and fishing stories — became just as much a part of the Donzelle’s experience as the food itself.
For years, I was blessed to open the restaurant with my dad. By 4:30 a.m., the “Table of Knowledge” would start rolling in — coffee pouring, stories and laughter filling the room, and wisdom being shared long before most of the world was awake. They weren’t just customers; they were family.
I am beyond grateful for the love, loyalty, and support our customers and this community have given us over the decades. You trusted us, supported us, and stood by us, and I will carry that with me forever.
While this chapter is closing, the memories, the lessons, and the love will always remain. From the bottom of my heart — thank you for being part of our family. ❤️
