 These new prices aren't just for a day or a week. They are the new,
reduced prices the long-established restaurant intends to charge
patrons for the immediate future.John Borst, one of the Borsts
who own and run the location, smiled when he explained the family's
reasoning. "In times where everyone is raising prices on everything,
we decided to give the consumers a break," he said. "It's our way of
trying to help revive the economy."
The two buffets, which account for 60 percent of the meals served
at the eatery, have been moved down almost a dollar from their
previous price.
Both John and son Brett were asked what most significant changes
they had seen at the business since they purchased the location 27
years ago. Both cited the ever-increasing overhead challenges,
including labor and utilities, as being right at the top of their
lists.
The family made a huge renovation and facelift to their eating
place just over five years ago. According to Brett, it was to make
the business more efficient as well as to add more seating to the
extremely popular eatery
John reflected on their growth in menu. "When we took over, there
were 10 items on the cold bar," he said. "Now, between the cold and
hot bars, we have over 100 every day."
The Borst family restaurant connection goes back over 70 years
and three generations. In 1934, Marge Borst's parents began opening
restaurants, including an ice cream company in the Niles, Mich.,
area. John's parents opened the Springfield Bonanza in 1967.
[to top of second column] |
In the '60s, John and Marge co-owned six fast-food restaurants in
southwestern Michigan.
In 1982, they purchased the Lincoln Bonanza, and their son Brett
is the third-generation restaurant owner. The fourth generation is
already working at the business.
The Borsts are very proud of their staff, which numbers 60
employees. Their employees show remarkable longevity in an industry
known for constant turnover. Among the employees with significant
periods of time with the Borsts are Joshua McFarland, the manager,
who has been with them 10 years; Susan Grove their master
bread-maker, who has been with them almost 20 years; and their
master salad chef, Evelyn Jackson, who has been with them 27 years.
Bonanza's fall hours are 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Besides the new, lower-priced hot and cold food bars, the family
will continue to offer special prices on a day-to-day basis on their
regular menu items.
You can't miss the location. Besides the huge Bonanza sign,
Curly, the 10-foot-tall steer, stands out front with a sign on his
side telling everyone of the special, all-you-can-eat steak platter
for just $9.99 right now. No doubt another price that can stimulate
the local economy.
[LDN staff and the Borst family] |
