Goodbye to an institution

From: Chelsea Anderson, Minneapolis

I was deeply saddened to read that Hojies Grill & Smokehouse has closed its doors.

Hojies played a significant part in my growing up. I will never forget the day I interviewed for my waitressing position back in 1998. Since I had yet to attain driving age, Grandma Lola graciously offered to give me a ride up town. As I recall, she sat in the coffee shop while I nervously fidgeted at a table in the dining area as Craig Hagen reviewed my application and asked me a few questions.

Three days later, I began my four-year journey as a Hojies’ employee. Many wonderful memories were made in that time period.

I still think about some of the Hojies regulars. There was Carl Hellwig, who came in for coffee at least twice a day. He would walk in the door and head toward his favorite stool and I would say, “Hey Crazy Carl! How ya doin’?” He’d respond, “Sneakin’ by Chelsea, sneakin’ by.”

Then there were Charlie Johnson and Grant Quarnstrom – two peas in a pod. Of course, on Sunday mornings, the church crowd would come in with their nice clothes and happy smiles.

Memories were also made behind-the-scenes. Rarely could a waitress walk from the frontline to the back of the restaurant without getting hit by a flying French fry from the kitchen.

When the clock struck 9 p.m., the doors were locked and the sign turned off. That’s when the employees really let loose. The boys in the back turned up the music and the girls used broomstick and mop handles as pseudo microphones. As cheesy as it sounds, we really were a family.

Craig and Marcy were incredible bosses. Craig stoically led his culinary crew, while Marcy managed the server staff. Together, they ran a well-oiled machine for many years.

Goodbye, Hojies. You will be missed.