From left, Chrisanthi Pissios, Niko Dimitrakopoulos, Patte Haras and Nikki Haras. | Courtesy Photo
It's been a tough year for the restaurant industry, but mom-and-daughter team Patte and Nikki Haras are continuing to serve up pancakes — and smiles — at their Blueberry Field Pancake House and Restaurant in South Holland.
A staple in the community, Blueberry Field opened its doors nearly 22 years ago in the summer of 1999. It was founded by Patte and her husband, Peter Haras, who died in 2006.
"Due to the unfortunate passing of my father, who was the heart of our restaurant, my mom had to really transition to a leadership role," Nikki Haras told The Suburban Marquee. "She stepped in and made it her own while still maintaining [my father's] legacy and honoring him."
According to Patte and Nikki, Blueberry Field's longstanding success can be partly attributed to the fact that it is truly a family-owned business. Everyone in the Haras family has a role in the restaurant, including daughter Chrisanthi Pissios and Patte's brother Niko Dimitrakopoulos, and they are committed to making sure customers leave happy.
"What makes us unique is that our restaurant really does reflect our environment and how we were raised," Nikki Haras said. "My parents taught us how to run a business in a restaurant."
Aside from the family's adeptness on the business management side, they say the food itself is a huge part of the restaurant's appeal. The menu brims with a variety of popular breakfast and lunch options, from fresh strawberry or cinnamon apple pancakes to triple-decker B.L.Ts and turkey clubs.
"We are really proud of the food that we serve, and we serve food that we eat at home, as well," Nikki Haras said.
The family said they have gotten to know many of their customers personally and especially enjoy being able to hire locals from the South Holland area. According to Patte Haras, one of the servers who now works at the restaurant has been dining there with her family since she was a baby.
"Our community identifies with us as being family. We're always here to help them just as much as they helped us," Nikki Haras said. "We really pour our hearts into what we do, and I think they see that. Our restaurant is a place of comfort for them."
The Harases are also embracing technology to expand the options available to their patrons. Customers who want to order carryout can now do so directly on Blueberry Fields' website.
The restaurant also strives to stay connected to customers through social media. It currently maintains pages on both Facebook and Instagram.
Blueberry Field Pancake House and Restaurant is located at 558 E. 162nd St. in South Holland. The restaurant is continuing to implement safe dining protocols and is open from 7 a.m to 3 p.m, Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m on Sundays.
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