Izzy’s Dockside Dinner and Pub, located at 186 Broadway, has been part of the Berlin Community for the past 13 years. Even before that, when it was known as the Berlin Family Restaurant, it was a staple in the culture of the town. But now the restaurant is entering a new chapter as it is sold to Colten Burt, who intends to keep the establishment a restaurant under a new name, with changes at later dates.
“We ultimately purchased and changed our company name to Izzy’s after my mother in 2013,” previous owner Ajshe Jecevicus said.
With working in a restaurant in a small town, the likelihood of a community being formed by regulars and friendly faces is high.
“My favorite memory is probably all the kind regulars I have. I felt a lot of support when my grandfather (the previous owner) passed away this previous year,” senior Veda Jecevicus said.
There are going to be changes made to Izzy’s that the current staff planning to stay will need to adjust as well.
“I’m excited for Izzy’s because it’s about time we get a change because we’ve been the same for so many times for so many years,” employee, freshman Jaelynn Plantz said.
Running a restaurant comes with a lot of hard work and long hours. But those hours create something people can look back on and be proud of.
“It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice, you never stop working. You even work in your sleep. Once you put in the hours you can look back and see what you’ve worked so hard for and created,” Ajshe said.
Not only do those hours create something physical, but all the time put into the restaurant can turn the building into much more.
“I enjoy helping people, giving them a warm place to call “home” with fair prices so they can afford to continue to visit. I also take pride in becoming part of my community,” Ashje said.
The Pub has played a big role in not just the community, but for the family that has taken care and run it for over a decade. With the children of Ajshe having been raised and working in the building, letting it go has helped to teach them another one of life’s lessons.
“It’s very sad for me since I grew up in that restaurant. But, it’s also kind of refreshing. The business helped to form the person I am today. Selling it has helped me realize that it’s okay to move on and grow; it’s an essential part of life,” Veda said.
