FROM RAGS TO BRITHCHES

THE HISTORY OF ROY & VENITA'S...

A HOMESTYLE HERITAGE

The "The Tradition of Excellence" associated with Roy & Venita's name began when the Rush Family moved to Hermiston area from Portland.

Roy had attended college in Hotel/Restaurant Management, as well as culinary arts school, and it would not be long before he combined this education and knowledge with a keener, natural business sense.

Also rooted in this formula for success was a core of family values. Roy Richard Rush Sr. married Venita Jean Bostain May 30, 1969. When June (named after her Grandmother) was born July 9, 1970 in Gresham, Oregon she would join a clan that already included three brothers, Marvin, Wesley and Roy Jr.

It was not long before this young family would meet it's calling in a small, close-knit agricultural community, called Hermiston. Roy's employer offered him a kitchen management position at Smitty's Pancake House on Highway 395 (in the building now known as the Golden Palace). Working here, and eventullay for other establishments...Glass Anvil Pizza and Steak House, McCabe's Cafe' and Frasu's, Roy began to hone his management skills and sharp business acumen.

The other half complimenting this dynamic duo was Venita, who's energy, wit and enthusiasm made her as instantly likable person and capable partener. She also contributed with her versatility as bookkeeper, hostess/server, dishwasher and cook. She could do it all, and did it well.

Roy and Venita would mange the Frasu's 49er-home of the huge 9' burger, for two years. (Where the Jack in the Box building is now). Jovial June and her brothers used to make forts out boxes in the basement, and some fond childhood memories were born. The four Rush children were raised within the resturant culture as Roy and Venita managed the daunting challenge of balancing work and family.

The Rush tradition has stayed true to the idea of "family" in family resturant, even then. So, it was when MacDonald's, the corporate symbol of American Commercialism, reared its head across from the Frasu's 49er.

It was time for the Rushes to venture out on their own. Roy and Venita's first sole proprietorship was Roy's Place on highway 395. It was small, humble beginning. It seated about 20, so tiny it was even described as "a tater tot with a roof." Roy and Venita's ran this scaled-down version on their own, and it was the root of greater things to come.

A string of experiences would follow, including Roy's Diner in Umatilla, Roy's Resturant (for 5 years) and finally BBQ Roy's on 395 and Elm. BBQ Roy's had an inviting, enjoyable motif; all booths were done in denium, surronded by red and white checkard curtains. The tables were all wood, with nails, sadles tacks, etc. embedded in grooves and covered in a lacquer finish. The prime location, combined with excellent food in a comfortable setting proved to be a success, and Roy and Venita were finally able to enjoy the taste of semi-retirement. It was from BBQ Roy's that came Roy's famous BBQ Sauce and Homestyle Clam Chowder, used at Roy & Venita's to this day, longtime favorites of locals in the know.

Unable to rest with retirement Roy & Venita's Resturant, a quaint corner of Main, opened its doors February of 1997. Roy and Venita Rush would leave a lasting legacy of quality food, service and value, centered on a tasteful tradition in Homestyle Family Favorites.

Roy and Venita hung up their aprons for good in 2001, moved to a beutiful home in picturesque Eagle Creek and traded in the hectic business climate for the relative serenity of fishin, leisurely travel and the company of family and friends.

Roy and Venita's would operate under Robert and Laurie Harness for just over a year until June-Rush Lavoie and her husband Brian took over the reigns in January of 2003.

June has always worked with her parents in their business, and has learned all aspects of the trade extremely well. It has been, it would seem, June's calling to serve people in some way. She has attended college and studied Psychology and nursing, but her ambition and passion for humanity would serve her best in the business her folks introducted to her.

When June married Brian Lavoie on July 20, 2002 two opposite personalities merged, uniting in a common cause, to maintain family values, integrity in the home and workplace, and a commitment to quality community and customer service. Our venue to fulfill these principles is our resturant. Our mission statement is to, as Roy and Venits did before us -- carry on a tradition of excellence in all that we do.

When we took over we made a decision to carry on Roy and Venita namesake to honor them and the dignified reputation they worked so hard to establish and uphold. It has been said to "Do your work with your whole heart and you will succeed---there's so little competition."

I too came from humble beginnings--mostly from the city--and I used to joke about the word "britches," as I had never heard that term growing up in Las Vegas. The day I uttered that word for the first time myself, I knew I had finally "arrived" as a member of the community... From "Rags to Britches."

Written by Brian Lavioe, with contributions from Roy and Venita and June Rush-Lavoie.