There are changes ahead for the building that houses American Legion Post 413, but the post itself is not going away. Instead of operating a lounge serving food and beverages, the Legion will focus on its mission of supporting community veterans and a private entity –Hall and Breithaupt Management, LLC—will operate the restaurant and bar. Despite the changes, Terry Breithaupt, current lounge manager and half of the Hall and Breithaupt Management LLC, said, “The building will always be the ‘Home of American Legion Post 413.’”
The Cook County News- Herald caught up with Breithaupt and his LLC partner, Liz Hall, last week to learn what is ahead for the building that has served as the Legion lounge for 30 years. First, Breithaupt stressed, he and Hall are not buying the building. “We will be leasing the building from Post 413,” he said.
The big question many are asking is why is the Legion getting out of the hospitality business? Breithaupt, who is a retired Marine Lieutenant Commander and a Legion member, said the present business model just isn’t working. He noted that Post 413 membership has seen a steady decline and its membership is aging. “The present membership average age is well over 70,” he said.
By leasing the building to Breithaupt and Hall, Post 413, which was founded in 1933, will eliminate many of the responsibilities of caring for the building and will acquire a revenue stream to support American Legion activities such as sustaining the Honor Guard, taking part in veteran’s funerals, and assisting community veterans. “The Legion will be able to focus on what we do well,” said Breithaupt.
If the current model is not succeeding, the News-Herald asked Breithaupt and Hall why they think they will be successful when Post 413 has not? Hall, who has worked at the Legion lounge for 10 years, said it’s simple. Just a few changes will draw more people in the door.
“I can’t tell you how many times people start to come in, look around and head back out the door,” she said.
Breithaupt agreed. He said the sign-in sheet at the door and the long, institutional looking tables are not what visitors expect in a dining establishment. There are no “Please be seated” or “Please wait to be seated” signs. “It’s confusing to tourists and not very welcoming,” he said.
“And it’s too quiet,” said Hall, noting that she would like to have appropriate music piped in for a more sociable atmosphere.
However, Hall quickly reiterated that the building, in whatever form it takes, will still be the “Home of American Legion Post 413.” Much of the Legion memorabilia will remain. Hall said, “We need to keep it friendly for our military.”
And they won’t change the things that have been successful, like Burger Night, Taco Night and Trivia.
But the duo wants to make it friendlier for all. And the first step, said Breithaupt is to “upgrade everything!” He laughed and acknowledged that they wouldn’t be able to do everything overnight, but plans are in the work for upgrades to kitchen equipment, tables, the beer delivery system and taps, and—long overdue—the flooring.
When those upgrades will take place is still being worked out. The restaurant will likely be closed for a short period of time while some of the work is being done.
There are also questions on how the new private entity will work with the other organizations that use the building under the auspices of Post 413—the Post 413 Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. Will the Legion Auxiliary still be able to hold its Veterans and Memorial Day luncheons? Will they be able to host the annual lunch for the veterans from the Silver Bay Veterans Home? What about membership nights for all three Legion entities?
“There are some moving parts,” said Breithaupt, “But this really is why this should happen. Not running the lounge allows the Legion to do the things it does well— like hosting these events for veterans.”
Another big question is the Fisherman’s Picnic bingo tent and beer garden— will that still take place? Breithaupt again referred to those “moving parts,” noting that is a complicated question and is affected by liquor licensing and ownership of the parking lot (the Legion does not own the parking lot, it belongs to Buck’s Hardware).
“There are some nuances to work out,” said Breithaupt, noting that there is ongoing discussion with the Auxiliary and the Legion Sons.
A few more matters need to be decided, such as a name for the new establishment. For this, Breithaupt and Hall are calling on customers. What would you like the new restaurant to be called? There is a suggestion box at the bar. Drop by and offer your suggestion.
“The winner will get a $100 credit,” said Hall.
And finally, when will the upgrades and the new name be unveiled? That too is yetto be-determined, but as soon as possible, said Hall.
“We are really excited,” said Breithaupt. “We can’t wait to get started.”
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