Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Krask and Cecilia Manst-Krask.
Hi Larry and Cecilia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We met as we were working for a new nightclub in the Chicago Northwest suburbs. A few years later we purchased a historic tavern and grill called Scot’s Inn on Main Street in West Dundee, a small town with an Ace Hardware located two doors down from the tavern. Twenty years after selling Scot’s Inn we decided to get back in the restaurant/bar business and found the ’49er Bar & Grill was available in historic downtown Acton, and there was an Ace Hardware right across the street-so you might say we have a type. We renamed the location to the historically correct ’49er Saloon and then due to the neglect by it’s numerous owners over the previous decades, we took 5 months to clean and repair it and opened on July 2, 2017.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One month and one day after opening, a black cloud positioned over Acton and deluged rain for 45 minutes. The whole town was flooded, including the ’49er Saloon. We were lucky to have a water damage company make us the first stop, but we found ourselves once again doing a major clean-up.
The pandemic was challenging, but we were fortunate to already have an outdoor patio, so that made for an easy transition to outdoor dining. We also found that during that time we were expanding our customer base, as people were looking to get out of their immediate radius and search out new places.
Larry’s two heart attacks in June 2022 put us on pause for 6 weeks fully and then on a limited schedule for awhile after that. He has since recovered, as did the business when we opened back up at the time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Since the history of the town of Acton is very much Americana due to Gold Rush and building of the railroad, we offer American Comfort Food made from Scratch. Fresh ingredients are the base to create amazing food offerings. We do large servings of food, but keep the quality with that quantity. Not your everyday items, like Bison, Elk Sausage, Quail and Rocky Mountain Oysters, are a highlight for many guests. Appealing to all diners, we offer both a non-Vegan and Vegan menu so that everyone is able to enjoy favorites such as our house-made Jalapeno Cheese sticks, Western Style Meatloaf,the Best in The West Spaghetti and Meatballs or Apple Crisp. We are also able to accomodate Gluten Free or Dairy Free. Hosting special events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, baby showers or birthday parties is a common occurence. The ’49er Saloon is also available for film rental. There are two hitching posts available, since Acton isn’t a one horse town = )
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Just keep moving, keep smiling and know you are doing your best, as that’s all anyone, including yourself, can ask for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.the49ersalooncompany.com/
- Instagram: 49ersaloon
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/49erSaloon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/49er-saloon-acton-2?osq=Restaurants
