02/27/2023
Forty years ago, it was by luck that I was hired for a job at the Golden Mushroom—ten years later, I was named the Executive Chef. I spent the next five years working as the Executive Chef and by then I knew that I wanted my own place. About that time , I met chef Chuck “Rocky” Rachwitz who also was looking to open a new restaurant so we agreed to go into partnership. It was a huge risk and I was scared and sad as I left the Golden Mushroom, but was excited as we opened Steve & Rocky’s January 18, 1998. I was 34 years old.
I quickly realized that it has literally taken thousands of people to make Steve & Rocky’s successful and I am extremely grateful to all of you.
To our staff: I’ve been blessed to know and work with so many people that have helped us along our journey. Some never made it to opening day, while others have been with us for 20 years plus. I owe all of you a great deal of gratitude. In those years, I’ve seen so many individuals grow and be successful at the restaurant and on their own. I’ve seen them marry, and their children now work for us. I’ve seen them happy, sad, tired frustrated, proud and accomplished. They are like my second family and I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a part of their lives.
To our guests: it’s very simple, without you, their is no Steve & Rocky’s. We’ve always strove to be honest and do our best. Our motto is “Simple food done Well,” and I am so fortunate that you appreciate our efforts. As the chef I am humbled to be your host for the last 9,135 days and counting. What an honor it has been to watch your children grow into adults and then in later years bring their children to dine with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To my family and friends: thank you for believing in me and making it possible. Without you I would not have the confidence to pursue my dream. Rocky, I know you could have had many partners but you chose me. Your trust in me was immeasurable and it has been a great relationship. Chef Milos, my mentor, thank you for being the dad that I never had. When I first met you, I had no idea of a direction in life. I brought with me a strong work ethic and you showed me how to use it. And to Terri, my wife. You have been more supportive than a wife should have to be. Many nights you would be waiting for me to get home, and you could tell by my face if it was a good or a bad day. You would always ask me if I still love it, and my answer was has always been “yes.”
Without a doubt, these last few years have been tough for many people. So before the drive and passion slip away and I can no longer say that I love what I do, I want to be able to say that I’ve given my all and left nothing on the table. That being said, after much thought and soul searching, Saturday, March 4, 2023 will be our last day of service as Steve & Rocky’s.
One of my biggest fears of closing the restaurant was not being able to take care of the employees that have taken care of me. I’m happy and proud to say that Bob Loomis, my current General Manager, has purchased the restaurant and has agreed to keep all of the employees working and has honored their time served. His details will follow.
In closing, thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your support. I couldn’t have done it without you and I am humbly grateful to each and everyone of you. You have helped me climb and stay on top of the mountain for a quarter of a century.
P.s. I would love to reminisce your stories.
