Almost Home wins Business of Year, looks to economic growth with upgrade under way

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Almost Home, the award-winning restaurant on Greencastle's courthouse square, not only added another honor Saturday night by being named Business of the Year by the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, but it is also poised for a state-of-the-art kitchen upgrade.

Gail Smith, the local proprietor who has owned and operated Almost Home for 26 years, seemed surprised at being anointed the initial Business of the Year winner by the Chamber during its annual dinner meeting at the DePauw University Tennis and Track Center.

Almost Home and Swizzle Stick owner Gail Smith receives the new Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award Saturday night from Chamber Executive Director Brian Cox. The award was presented during the Chamber's annual dinner meeting. (Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE).

"Honestly, I had no clue," she said from the podium after being presented the 2015 Business of the Year plaque by Chamber Executive Director Brian Cox.

"I love what I do," Smith said simply, deflecting the praise a bit. "I just do what I do."

And some of that doing has been to give back to the community with experiences like the Greencastle Music Festival. She created the festival to celebrate Almost Home's 20th anniversary in August 2010 and has seen it grow into a summertime staple. Smith also helped start Greencastle's First Friday in 2014 as a way to showcase downtown businesses and bring the community together with live music and food.

"I get to do the fun things," she acknowledged. "Of course, I have to work my tail off, but I get the enjoyment of seeing everyone have such a good time. This is such a great place to have a business. Thank you for supporting me the last 25 years."

Smith shared a brief story of how someone visiting the restaurant for the first time had asked one of her employees if she were the owner.

"No," the employee responded, "I'm just a fan."

Smith nodded her head in agreement with that analogy.

"We have a great fan base," she smiled.

Meanwhile back at the kitchen, the work -- currently under way -- will allow Almost Home to expand its catering operations and offer a late-night food menu at the Swizzle Stick bar.

The upgrade will require the restaurant to close for a few days during the first week February to allow for the installation of the equipment and staff training.

Smith sees the new investment in her business as affirmation of its success, and of an improving local business climate.

In March 2011, Greencastle became an initial recipient of a Stellar Communities Grant from the State of Indiana. Those state funds helped revitalize the courthouse square and central business district with streetscape improvements and facade renovations. Five years later, Smith says a new Starbucks and bookstore downtown have brought more traffic to the square and more business to Almost Home.

"Real change takes time, and the good things we envisioned when Greencastle was awarded the Stellar Grant are really starting to take root," she said.

"The upgrades to Almost Home will allow us to provide even better experiences for our guests. And other new restaurants and shops will be coming to Greencastle, so it's an exciting time as I am confident that more people will discover our city and its amenities and make it a destination, which is great news for job creation, the local economy, and our community spirit."

Smith added, "Our business has been growing steadily, and our equipment has sometimes hindered our ability to provide memorable meals in a timely manner. This kitchen upgrade will enable us to service our guests on a whole new level. The addition of an expanded bar menu and more catering capacity will greatly enhance our opportunities for growth, and we'll continue to focus on baked-from-scratch desserts and feature local farm fresh foods and ingredients."

Bruce Clute, director of collaborative community initiatives and auxiliary services at DePauw University, calls Smith "a dedicated champion of downtown Greencastle."

"And her commitment to take the already terrific experience she offers at Almost Home to new levels is good news for the city and for the many people who are working to increase the vitality of the downtown district," Clute said.

In his new role, Clute is working with city leaders and others to help attract additional businesses to the square and adjacent areas.

"Almost Home has been the centerpiece of the downtown dining experience for a quarter-century," he said, "and its success will be integral to creating a dining district that we're confident will make the center of the city a destination for people -- from near and far -- who seek a night out in a place that has character, charm and a variety of offerings. Greencastle is poised to become that place, and we commend Gail for her ongoing commitment to the city."

It has all been worth it, Smith assured.

"The response has been amazing," she added, "and it proves if the right amenities and events are in place, downtown Greencastle will indeed become a destination.

"We expect to fully promote and participate in this economic growth, and the timeliness of our kitchen upgrade will ensure that we are ready to meet the increased traffic and remain a leading restaurant in Greencastle."

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  • ALMOST HOME WAS SO MUCH BETTER WITHOUT THE SWIZZLE STICK.

    -- Posted by Queen53 on Mon, Feb 1, 2016, at 11:51 AM
  • What a change from the last health inspectors report

    -- Posted by canttakeitanymore on Mon, Feb 1, 2016, at 4:00 PM
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