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Business & Tech

Indies Only: Oswego Family Restaurant is 'Where Friends Meet to Eat'

The restaurant has been a staple in the village's downtown for 15 years.

is a 1950’s diner tucked away in the village's downtown.

Owner Nick Dassis takes pride in only offering food he would feed his own family, choosing quality meats and cooking from scratch.

“I love the restaurant more than when I first opened it 15 years ago," Dassis said. "I look forward to coming to work each day. I wake up ready to get to work. I get such pleasure from people returning for the product I develop.”

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Dassis’ parents owned diners in Chicago and the suburbs throughout his childhood and Dassis implemented a similar style.

“We have a traditional approach to cooking. We take the long way, the hard way, the tedious way,” said Dassis. “We’re a dying breed but the quality is worth it.”

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Oswego Family Restaurant uses top quality black angus beef, cuts ham off the bone, and serves homemade soups, and gravies and sauces from scratch. They also offer a variety of desserts.

Customers often feel “shell-shocked,” Dassis said.

“The restaurant is a true time capsule. It’s a piece of Oswego that hasn’t been altered. People get caught up in it and it becomes part of the dining experience. Where else can you go to eat and get that feeling?” he asked.

This location has been a restaurant since the 1930’s, Dassis said. Pictures from prior restaurants and of Main Street over the years hang on the walls.

One picture shows a young girl sitting at the counter more than 50 years ago. That same girl is a regular customer today, said Dassis.

Karla Baumrucker has worked at the restaurant for six years.

“I love the customers who come in here. The restaurant has such a sense of community. We have regular customers who have become friends,” said Baumrucker. “Eating here feels like you’re at home except that someone is waiting on you."

The restaurant's motto is “Where friends meet to eat.” Groups such as the Lion’s Club and the hold meetings at OFR, as well as many Oswego sports teams and clubs.

Teenagers, families and senior citizens all choose to eat at OFR, said Dassis.

He has lived in Oswego for 17 years.

“I love this town and love the John Wayne movie town feeling of downtown,” he said. “I’d have a heck of a time trying to live anywhere else. There is always something going on here in Oswego. The Chamber of Commerce is really busy putting on some great events.”

Costa, his 14 year-old son, enjoys spending time at OFR working alongside his father. Costa especially enjoys baking and is the creator of “Angela’s Cookies,” named for his younger sister.

When a box of cookies is ordered, Angela, 11, decorates the box.

“It’s a pleasure working with my dad and because of his schedule he never misses my concerts or games,” said Costa.

Wednesday and Friday nights, OFR offers free dessert. There is a fish fry on Friday nights. Students with an ID always receive a 10 percent discount.

Oswego Family Restaurant is located at 69 Main St. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

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