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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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July 2011 |
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How had they met? "We knew each other for a few years," said Mike. "We both worked in the same industry. I financed commercial real estate. Brenda sold and leased commercial properties." Brenda said she is also "basically retired," but works online a couple hours every morning making calls and keeping her properties managed. "I own properties in the metro area," she said. "I bought them as investments. I started in 1982 and I've never sold any of my properties. I don't go to open houses anymore because I am afraid I will buy!” Who maintains the properties? "We maintain them ourselves," said Mike. "I also maintained apartments in putting myself through school so I've had that experience." This past experience provided the background for Mike and Brenda to tackle Schmitty’s and the total revamping they felt necessary. The first priority was to clean it up. "We started in the bathrooms, cleaned, repainted and remodeled the public areas and the back of the place to be more efficient and bring things up to code,” said Mike. “We bought new tables, new bar stools, put in a new acoustical ceiling, a new lighting and music system, new flat screen TVs, new ceiling fans." On the outside of Vic's they installed patio pavers where there was previously cracked sidewalk and gravel, built flower boxes, repainted siding, and added new awnings. They also made extensive changes and additions to the menu. Among the more than dozen appetizers are Crispy Calamari, Asian Lettuce Wraps, Steak Bites, and Mini Tacos. Among the half a dozen fresh salads are Chicken Cobb, BLT Salad, and Black and Blue Salad. Some of the sandwiches include Grilled Chicken Bacon Swiss, Reuben or Rachel, Classic Club and Hot Sub. And, of course, they have Heggie's Pizzas on the menu which come in several different varities. But Burgers are their specialty. The menu includes nearly a dozen of them ranging from Bacon Jalapeno Burger to Blue Moon Burger to Philly Burger. "We have many different kinds of burgers," said Mike. “In 2010 the readership of the Waconia Patriot voted our burgers the best in Carver County. That is our goal -- to have the best burgers in Carver County." "Actually," said Brenda. "I'd say we want to have the best burgers in the State of Minnesota! We buy all of our meat from Fresh Seasons Market here in Victoria and they grind it to our specifications. They helped us develop those specifications." "We like to find things that people want when it comes to a good neighborhood spot,” said Mike. "We want it to be a place that Brenda and I would want to go to." "We ask people what they'd like to see on the menu," said Brenda. "We're happy to see more and more families and kids come here to eat. We now have high chairs and booster chairs. We needed them!" "We tried to diversify the menu so that it appeals across a broad scope," said Mike. "People get a pretty good value for their dollar here," added Brenda. "We've also expanded our line of tap beers and wine selections," said Mike. He identified Surly, Nordeast, Leinie's Seasonal, and Peroni among the ten beers on tap at Vic's, in addition to the standards on tap. "People argue about which is better, tap beer or bottled beer," he said. "There are people who prefer a bottle of their favorite beer even though you get more for your money on tap."
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