From the Webster Kirkwood Times 2/13/09
Heart Of The Community
Webster Groves-Shrewsbury Chamber presents award recognitions for 2009
by Kevin Huelsmann
February 13, 2009
When she was looking at nominations for this year's annual awards dinner,
Webster Groves-Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce President Diane Lamboley
was thinking one thing:
"These lists are a mile-long. How do these people have time to do all this stuff?"
Lamboley said the 2009 recipients of the chamber's yearly "Heart of Gold" awards were an exceptional group.
Awards were handed at a dinner and live auction Feb. 6. Awards were given out in several different categories, but Lamboley said the underlying factor in all of the awards was the community.
"We were looking at what each person or business did to make the community better," she said. Here are this year's business category winners, with top citizen and others award winners to follow next week.
Outstanding Businessperson
Less than a year after buying Krueger Pottery from previous owner Dennis Krueger, Aimee Rich and her husband Ryan are already making an impact in Webster Groves. ...snip...
Outstanding Business
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Dave Freese (left) and Bill Kuntz, owners of Highway 61 Roadhouse. The Old Orchard eatery was named Outstanding Business. |
Since opening Highway 61 Roadhouse several years ago, owners Bill Kuntz and Dave Freese have built a reputation steeped in the culture of New Orleans and its Cajun and Creole traditions.
But Kuntz and Freese have also built a reputation, albeit a quieter one, for helping out in the community.
"They do all these great things, but no one really hears about it," Lamboley said of Freese and Kuntz. "The only reason I found out about them serving a pregame meal for the Turkey day game is because I have a varsity football player."
Kuntz and Freese served a full meal to the Webster Groves High School varsity football team and staff the day before the Turkey Day game. They held a fundraiser for the Webster Groves High School jazz band. And they have donated gift certificates for countless tournaments and auctions.
"If you're fortunate and have things, you should give back to the community," Kuntz said, summing up his philanthropic philosophy.
Along with its owners' charitable bent, the restaurant has gained attention for its menu, which has earned accolades for its Cajun and Creole fare.
The menu features the staples of any respectable Louisiana-based menu: gumbo, red beans and rice, Po' Boy sandwiches and Andouille sausage as well as several offerings that are not so common, such as barbecued spaghetti and black bean hummus.
Highway 61 Roadhouse also backs up its Louisiana-tinged menu with the music to match. A quick perusal of the restaurant's upcoming acts boasts well-known local blues artists such as Kim Massie and Alvin Jett.
Kuntz said he was surprised by the news that the restaurant had won the Outstanding Business award.
"When they called I asked if they had the right person," Kuntz said. "We don't really do those things to win awards or recognition, but we're really appreciative for it."
Business Hours
Sunday
• brunch 10am - 2pm
• dinner menu 2pm - 8pm
• bar until 9pm
Mon - Thurs
11am - 11pm
• lunch menu 11am - 3pm
Fri & Sat
11am - 1am
• lunch menu 11am - 3pm
Kitchen Hours
Sun - 10am - 8pm
Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri - Sat 11am - Midnight
Happy Hour
Mon - Fri 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Mon-Thurs 11pm - CLOSE
UPCOMING EVENTS
Every Tuesday night
Open mic Blues night Hosted by Matt Davis & Darrow Washington 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
FRI 30-Jul
Lucky Dan & Naked Mike 6p - 10p
SAT 31-Jul
Rhythm Rockers 9p - 1a
Sun 1 - Aug
Matt Rowland & Stratocaster at the Miller lite BBQ Bash, for the Miller Lite Cup from 2p - 6p!
Fri 6 - Aug
Uncle JED 6-10p
Sat 7 - Aug
The Gustones 9 - 1a
Sun 8 - Aug
The Fred Dickerson Band 4 - 8p
Fri 13 - Aug
The Roadhouse Band 6 - 10p
Sat 14 - Aug
Asbury Park 9 - 1a
Fri 20 - Aug
Lucky Dan & Naked Mike 6 - 10p
Sat 21 - Aug
Bag Lunch Blues Band 9 - 1a
Fri 27 - Aug
Joybone 6 - 10Sat 28 - Aug
Sat 28 - Aug
Big George Brock 9 - 1a