CERO GORDO, Ill. (WAND) — Judy Tavel has been the owner of Judy's Kitchen since it first served the Cerro Gordo community 22 years ago, and one of the most unique things about the business is the multiple generations working together to make it a success.
The team includes her mother, children and grandchildren, and Tuvel said it's been an overall positive experience working closely with family members.
“It's going well. We get on very well, but sometimes my mother has to be firm.”
But belonging to the Cerro Gordo community is important to Judy, and having grown up in the community, she sees this as a way to give back.
“I grew up here so I know a lot of the older people, but there are a lot of new people coming in, but I have good relationships with them. I try to be of service to the community,” Tavel said.
One of the main ways the family was able to give back was by hosting buffets for those in the community in need.
Helping those in need has always been a priority for the Judy's Kitchen family, so when a fire required help and they were forced to close the business, the community came back to help Judy.
“The most memorable moment was when we were able to reopen after the fire. People were excited to come here and we were very busy reopening,” Tuvel said.
Denise Roberts, Judy's daughter and restaurant manager, has said over the years that there are many qualities she admires in her mother that she also shares.
“She's a really powerful person. She was on the schedule right up until she was about 70 and then helped out with catering for a few years after that, but she's now officially retired.”
As Judy celebrates her 80th birthday this year, she is incredibly grateful for her family, her sister and the opportunity to run Judy's Kitchen.
If you'd like to celebrate Judy's birthday or just enjoy a home-style meal with pie for dessert, you can stop by the restaurant on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 am to 2 pm, or Wednesdays through Saturdays from 7 am to 8 pm.
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