Jim Katris – From Chicago to Warsaw, a journey in the local restaurant & hospitality industry

Local resident and entrepreneur Jim Katris shares his story about journeying from Chicago to Warsaw, and how life unfolded as an entrepreneur in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Show Notes

• As a CPA from the Chicago area, now local resident and owner of American Table Restaurant, Jim Katris couldn’t have predicted that he would end up in Kosciusko County, but he’s sure glad he did.

• Jim journeyed to the area when his dad and brother asked him to come on board and join them in the restaurant industry after they’d opened the American Table Restaurant in the late 1980s. In 2000, Jim and his brother started the well-known Boathouse Restaurant at Winona Lake then later sold to a partner in 2010.

• Jim later met his wife, Amber and they started a family, and now have four children. Jim shared that he’s observed that when people come to the area they don’t want to leave. He expressed that it’s a great place to raise a family, and he’s gained many friendships here.

• What are ‘best kept secrets’ in Kosciusko County? Jim said the trail system is excellent, and he enjoys mountain biking on the trails. He also recognized the variety and caliber of independent restaurants, owned by local people––good people.

• You can easily pursue your interests and hobbies or explore a new passion here. As a competitive wrestler for many years, Jim now enjoys doing Jiu Jitsu and teaching classes in the area.

• Jim also shared his perspective regarding local service providers here versus the support you receive in larger cities. “You build relationships with these people,” he said. He shared an example of getting HVAC work done and how you can trust the person to come to your house when you’re not even home.

• Jim recommends checking out Stonehenge Golf Course, and co-host Alan also mentioned the ice rink project in the works at the Village at Winona.

• In addition to his leadership in the local restaurant and hospitality industry, Jim is also involved in local commercial real estate with his company Agora Investments LLC.