By Amy Brown

Special to the Tribune & Times

Throughout life we’ve have heard the old adage many times, “A family that works together stays together.”  

Some would say tt builds unity and strengthens the family bond, and for myself and my family this is definitely the case. We come from a long line of foodies and family traditions of food bringing us together. My Grandma was one of the best cooks I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and it goes without saying that her skills were handed down for several generations to come. My cousin Stacy Gerdes was one of the fortunate ones to be blessed with our Grandma’s cooking skills. In June of 1999 Stacy put his talents to work by opening up the Hatchery Bar & Grill in Lowry. Stacy quickly made a name for himself with his outgoing personality and his gifted hand in the kitchen. It wasn’t long and Stacy roped his mom, Carol Gerdes, AKA “Mamma G” in to coming to work for him. She became a face that everyone loved to see behind the bar with her spunky attitude. I certainly couldn’t let my family have all the fun so I was right on their heels and quick to join the crew.  The Hatchery became a place we all loved and felt a bit nostalgic about. It was the sort of bar that when you walked in you instantly knew that a good time would be had by all.  

After some years Stacy branched out and started a catering business, from weddings to funerals he does it all. Stacy’s catering crew and bar staff has always consisted of some family members, from his mom to his aunties to myself and my kiddos, family has always been the core foundation. Working events like recently at Marthaler’s Thanksgiving meal event with my mom, aunt, cousin and kiddos brings me a sense of pride, some of my best memories have stemmed from times like this. 

Working alongside my daughters I can only hope to mentor them the way I was lucky enough to be mentored in this industry.   Some 25 years later after the business has changed hands a couple times, we find ourselves in a familiar spot. Drum roll please…Stacy is excited to announce that he will be back in the community soon and will once again be taking over The Hatchery. Thursday night wings and Saturday ribs will be in everyone’s near future! And let’s not forget the infamous chicken feeder that we serve our Birthday Spirits in.  If there is one thing for certain, Stacy knows what brings in a crowd and how best to serve the community.  More details on an opening date will be announced soon.