Lumberjack's opens for season with award-winning food, talented staff

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Four times in the past three years, Lumberjack’s Waterfront Patio Grill has claimed a crown in Niagara Frontier Publications’ “Savory Summer” food competitions. The North Tonawanda eatery twice took the title of WNY’s Best Summer Dining Spot, while also earning Best Hamburger and Best Fries.

But if you ask owner/operator Carol Tallichet what’s she most proud of, the likely answer is that she keeps having to replace the restaurant staff.

“We're in search of new managers, because all of our managers have gone on to their permanent, professional jobs,” Tallichet said Monday.

These former employees left Lumberjack’s with more confidence and an expanded skillset, making them more attractive to potential employers.

“I’m very proud of it,” Tallichet said.

“We had a job fair a week ago Saturday, and I had a mother come in with her daughter, and she said to me, ‘It's so nice that you're taking the time to train these girls. It's their first job, and they're nervous to begin with.’ It was quite nice to hear that from a parent.

“We train them to go out into the big, bad world.”

Lumberjack’s opened for the season May 30, and its staff is again striving to uphold the eatery’s award-winning status.

To maintain a high level of quality year after year – while losing workers annually – comes down to “training, training, training, training,” Tallichet said. “All of our girls that have been with us a year or two, they're all coming back to train. We had a training session last Thursday, and then they train with somebody that knows the operation for at least two sessions before we ever put them on their own. And then, there's always a manager on duty overseeing them. So, if there's something that hasn't been seen and should be done, it's always pointed out in a nice way.”

An award-winning menu and on-the-job-training are two of the things that make Lumberjack’s unique.

The other thing? Well, that one is obvious.

Lumberjack’s patrons can enjoy the restaurant’s million-dollar views.

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“It's the only place on the river, except for the LaSalle (Yacht) Club, where there's a restaurant and a marina right together,” Tallichet said. “We service the marina also, and I think that's unique in itself. Plus, we're right on the water. The deck, which seats 160 people, cantilevers right on the water.”

Patrons who come to dine at Lumberjack’s will find Western New York’s food product all-stars: Wardynski’s hot dogs, Mineo & Sapio Italian sausage, Costanzo’s Bakery rolls, Anderson's ice cream, crunch rolls (Buffalo chicken, banana pepper, or steak and cheese.)

“Your combinations are your best deal,” Tallichet said. “It includes your french fries. Or if you don't want french fries, any other side that we have, plus your bottomless drink.”

Lumberjack’s also serves beer, wine, margaritas and spritzers. As of June 18, live music returns every Thursday and Sunday.

Hours of operation for boaters, bikers, motorists and walkers are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1000 River Road. For more information, visit Lumberjack’s on Facebook.

Lumberjack’s Waterfront Patio Grill in North Tonawanda.