We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Steinbrecher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Honesty and Integrity. Who you are at the core will always come out in your business practices as well as defining your character. You can not have a successful business based off anything false, rushed or half assed. Being honest when things are good or when they aren’t so good, keeps your staff informed, protected and maintains respect. Doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching, will build a firm foundation your company will flourish thru even the toughest of times.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our attention to the “little things” set us apart from others. We take pride in our building and property, focus on our curb appeal, greeting you as soon as you walk thru our doors with a smile and hello. Fast Attentive Service, Cold Creative Drinks and Hot Delicious Food. We admit our mistakes and go above and beyond to make every one feel heard, appreciated and satisfied. We want you to be exited to come back and tell your friends! We celebrate Birthday’s, Anniversary’s, All of Life’s Special Moments with Our Guests. We are not afraid to try new things. We invest into our staff’s education and give them room to be human, make mistakes, spend time with their family’s and be creative and have influence in the company. We strive to make a unique and thriving work environment and that trickles down to our guests. We support our community with fundraising efforts as well as hold our own events. And we try to lead with actions, not just words. You may see me washing dishes or running food, sweeping the parking lot, or flippin’ burgers. I like it when people don’t know I’m the owner:) You get honest feedback and see exactly how the business is doing without bias

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start with breakfast at Abi’s Bistro, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s with Biscuits & Gravy! Then we would have to shop at a few of our downtown retailer’s like Woolybugger’s and White Birch Outfitters. Relax with a massage at Holistic Spa and Grab a snack at Alpine Tavern. I would take them to all of the great restaurants not just including mine! Kane’s Lobster Pot & Bourbon Bar of course to have some Cajun Cuisine and a Smoked Old Fashion, but we would also go to Bennethum’s Northern Inn, Corwith Station, Paul’s Pub, El Patron, C.R.A.V.E to name a few. We would travel to Boyne Mountain and do some Skiing along with Lunch at 40 acres and spending a lot of time at the Grand Mountain Lodge Spa and Outdoor Hot Tubs and Pool! I’m a foodie so we would literally eat, drink and be in our jammies on my couch watching all the classic movies or in hot tubs and on massage tables 90% of the time and sleep the other 10%!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Bob Luzenski, Son of Mary Luzenski, Original Owner Mary’s Tavern est 1933 at the end of Prohibition. This Man saw the hard work and dedication I put into every day’s work and entrusted me to continue his family’s legacy while giving me an opportunity to create my own. My Dad, who lent me the down payment loan to purchase my first business. Brene Brown and her library of books that helped me to Understand the Gifts of Imperfection, How to Rise Strong, Dare Greatly and Brave the Wilderness! My Children who physically, mentally and emotionally were a part of the process every step of the way! And to a Handful of Loyal Trusted Staff who have stuck by me thru all the ups and downs throughout the years. I could not be where I am today without any of them.

Website: www.dinegaylord.com

Image Credits
I took all of these myself

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