By Diana Henry - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
JANESVILLE (WKOW)-- A very unassuming restaurant in Janesville is more popular than ever. The Pit Stop is a favorite for high school students and business professionals alike.
It makes the Pit Stop's owner Jim Elsberry 'Someone You Should Know.'
"The food is all homemade from scratch," said Jim. "All my recipes that I have formulated over all the years."
Jim Elsberry has had a spatula in his hand since he was 14 years old.
"My mom was a fantastic cook and she was the one who kind of got me started," said Jim Elsberry. "She told me when I was about 10 years old that she was going to show me how to cook, sew, and clean so I didn't have to marry a woman for that. I could marry her for love."
After working at and owning a number restaurants from Eau Claire to Chicago, Jim settled in Janesville and bought the Pit Stop. It was just a cold sandwich and soup shop with only about 20 customers a day.
"We're doing anywhere from 200 to 250 people a day," said Jim.
"It's good, fast food," said Bob a customer.
"He hand cuts his own fries," said Jen Borlick. "So you get really fresh-like Mom used to make-fries."
Nearly 6 years later, the Pit Stop is a hot spot for breakfast and lunch even though you kind of have to know it's here. The Pit Stop is in an office building near the court house.
"Those prices are from 6 years ago," said Jim. "We haven't raised our prices"
Why is that? Diana asks.
"Because people are like family, so I can't raise prices to my family," said Jim.
And, it truly is a family affair.
"If I am going to be working 100 hours a week-- I am here with my kids," said Jim.
Daughter Haley and son Jacob help Jim serve up the day's specials.
"There's been plenty of heated moments," said Haley. "6 years. It's bound to happen."
Like a discussion over pay.
"Not only do they insist, they complain," said Jim laughing.
"I've never complained," said Haley.
"Oh, right, give me a break," said Jim.
Haley laughs.
The Pit Stop isn't too busy right now since school is out for the summer. But Jim makes up for it on the weekend by turning into Elsberry's Edibles catering company.
"4 weddings last weekend, 6 other catering events and a lot of graduation parties," said Jim. "It's a busy time of year."
Jim plans to retire in 5 years. Jacob hopes to take over the family business.
"I'm going to have to get a cook," said Jacob. "No way I can learn to cook near as good as he can."
Click here to learn more about Elsberry's Edibles.
Click here to learn more about the Pit Stop.
