Put the candles on the cake. CJ’s Lakeside Grill and Sandbar is 10.
According to Carl Slomczenski, who owns the restaurant with his wife Joan (hence the name CJ’s), the establishment celebrated its 10th anniversary on Jan. 3.
During its existence, the restaurant expanded to add the ‘Sandbar? in March 2005, which is a more bar-like atmosphere. According to Slomczenski, customers wanted a place where they could have a drink, but didn’t want to lose the family-orientated atmosphere in the restaurant.
‘This way, (customers) get the best of both worlds,? he said of the Sandbar addition. ‘It’s great to be able to accomodate what customers want.?
In both parts of CJ’s, a full menu is offered, with everything from breakfast items to sandwiches and salads to steaks, ribs and fish.
Slomczenski said that he relies on customer satsification as his best advertisement, and always stresses the importance of quality and freshness.
‘It makes or breaks a business,? he added.
CJ’s offers an array of daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, and Slomczenski has plans on adding even more items to the menu in the coming weeks.
‘We’re not just a hot dog and hamburger place anymore,? he said. ‘We have such an expanded menu.?
Slomczenski also plans on starting to do catering for small parties, and currently hosts small meetings in the bar before it opens at 11 a.m. For example, the Sunshine Rotary Club meets there every Thursday morning for their meeting.
CJ’s also hosts live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night in the bar side.
‘We shake it up every week,? Slomczenski said. ‘We have everything from country to folk — you name it. We keep it exciting.?
Just recently, they have also started to host a Sunday evening Euchre tournament, which starts at 7 p.m., and is free to participate in.
According to Slomczenski, it is their goal to keep CJ’s as a community-orientated place; they even host ice cream socials for some of the local elementary schools.
Just recently, Blanche Sims students sent CJ’s an array of snowflake-inspired art projects which are currently on display.
CJ’s is also the home of the popular public access program, Lunch at CJ’s, which introduces local businesses and organizations to the community.
‘You get a feel for the downtown,? Slomczenski said of the program that started as people just sitting around a table talking.
According to Slomczenski, CJ’s will be planning a 10th anniversary party in the near future, and he recommends everyone to stop in and see what CJ’s offers.
‘It’s a great place to go for food, entertainment and a friendly atmosphere,? he said, also thanking all of his customers for their loyalty.
CJ’s Lakeside Grill and Sandbar is located at 21 West Flint in downtown Lake Orion.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the bar open everyday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
They can be reached at (248)693-8704.