Family-friendly eatery opens in Rockford
Ross: I wanted a place to bring my grandkids
Steve Ross stands in front Steve’s On Main. The restaurant opened in the middle of July at 129 West Main St. in Rockford. According to Ross, he only has two rules for his employees and his business: give them a good reason to come in and treat them like gold when they’re here.
By Amie Johansen | amie@charlescitypress.com
Steve’s on Main, a new restaurant located at 129 Main Street in Rockford, opened when Steve Ross struggled to answer his granddaughter’s innocent question. Ross’ granddaughter asked why he missed her preschool graduation. The answer was that Ross was working. Seeing the disappointment in his granddaughter’s eyes, Ross decided it was time to move in a new career direction that would allow him more freedom to participate in his family’s monumental moments.
Having worked in and around the restaurant industry for roughly 30 years, Ross was confident he could make a restaurant successful in Rockford.
“I owned the Thirsty Dog Saloon in Manly and it was very successful,” Ross said. “(It’s the) same amount of people in Rockford as Manly.”
According to Ross, he was contemplating between opening a car dealership or opening a restaurant in Rockford. Ultimately, the community members in Rockford helped him to decide.
“I talked to people in Rockford, they wanted somewhere nice to eat,” he said.
Talking to area residents was also how Ross developed the menu for Steve’s On Main.
“Feedback, feedback, feedback,” Ross said when asked how he makes his decisions.
There is one menu item that Ross just knew he had to serve regardless if anyone asked for it by name.
“A fried bologna sandwich,” he said.
When working in sales, Ross traveled to Kansas where he saw a fried bologna sandwich on the menu. The sandwich, though reminiscent of childhood delicacies, is designed to satisfy adult the tastebuds.
“Bologna sandwich is a grilled or fried bologna sandwich on marble rye bread with double smoked applewood bacon, cheddar cheese and coleslaw,” he said.
The sandwich has proven to be a frequently ordered item.
From the beginning Ross has carried out the requests of the Rockford community.
“I closed (on the building) on June 1, planned to be open Aug. 1,” Ross said. “The town came to us and said, ‘Rockford Days is July 16, can you be open for that?’”
As business-minded person, Ross knew in order for Steve’s On Main to be successful during Rockford Days, he needed to be open at least a week prior. The opening date was moved from Aug. 1 to July 10. In just 40 days Ross remodeled and readied the building for customers.
According to Ross, the majority of his remodel projects took place in the kitchen and the dining room. Sitting at the table, he pointed out the lack of beer signs hanging in the dining room area, further emphasizing his commitment to family friendly service.
“I wanted a place to bring my grandkids,” Ross said.
Steve’s On Main is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Friday nights guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat beer battered fish fry.
-20160803-
Facebook
Social Share