Business Spotlight: Lake Alice Trading Company


September 3, 2013 11:16 pm Published by

Business Spotlight: September 2013

Celebrating 25 years in downtown Riverside, Lake Alice Trading Company has become a fixture in the community. In 1988, Debra Strange and her partner Eddie decided to apply for a liquor license at another location. At the time, liquor licenses were distributed by a lottery system. “It was crazy, but since Eddie had always been a lucky person, it seemed no surprise when we won. However, the surprise came when the restaurant we had planned to put the license in unexpectedly was not available,” according to Debra. During their search for a restaurant, they walked into a restaurant called Dagwood’s. “We both knew it was our place. The cobblestone alley entrance, the high ceilings with original tin panels, and the mezzanine with the pool tables all made us feel like we were at home,” says Debra.

At the time, Dagwood’s was a local hideaway with darts, billiards, sandwiches, and a relaxed atmosphere.  Eddie decided to change the name to “Lake Alice Trading Company” in honor of a family cabin in Wisconsin. The happy memories that Eddie had at his family’s cabin in Wisconsin were used to transform Dagwood’s into a sports bar with live music entertainment and great food. Debra eventually expanded Lake Alice’s menu by adding burgers, daily specials, and a wide assortment of appetizers using her passion for cooking from spending time at her grandmother’s truck stop in Cabazon.

For Debra and Eddie it was a struggle to stay in business due to the restrictive back alley entrance that Lake Alice had. They eventually expanded to the current size through neighboring businesses vacating. “We are very proud of what it has become and happy it continues to bring good times to so many,” says Debra.

When Jeff McKee took over the operation of Lake Alice, he focused on having good service and high quality food. “I believe the best way to market is to just do a good job. My goal is to make sure every person who comes in, has a good time. As long as that happens, I will never be short on customers,” says Jeff. He also states that first time customers will be pleasantly surprised by the high quality of food and classic Midwest bar atmosphere. Lake Alice even has a 2 lb. patty and a bun the size of a loaf of bread that fits on a special platter. Over the years, only 3 people have been able to eat the whole thing.

Along with its day to day operations, Lake Alice goes above and beyond by supporting fundraisers that benefit cancer, muscular dystrophy, and diabetes awareness. Lake Alice also worked closely with the Riverside Downtown Partnership to make the Summer Street Jam and their anniversary a huge success.

Congratulations to Lake Alice Trading Company as they celebrate 25 years in downtown Riverside!

 

Lake Alice Trading Company
3616 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501

(951) 686-7343

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week.

www.LakeAliceTradingCo.com
www.Facebook.com/Lake.Alice
Twitter @LakeAlice_1999
Instagram @LakeAlice1999

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