By Stefan Yablonski

 

Warm lake breezes and idyllic views await patrons of Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In. Come for the food and stay for the scenery. Have something to eat and then sit down, have a drink outside and get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

For many people, they don’t need a calendar to tell them when spring arrives. The opening of Rudy’s heralds the change of seasons.

Rudy’s was opened in 1946 by Marie and Rudy Gadziala as an open-air stand, later expanding and adding indoor seating.

Rudy’s second cousin, Brad Livesey with his wife, Carol, bought Rudy’s when Rudy Gadziala died in 1976. Brad and Carol started working at Rudy’s in 1960. Both have passed on; entrusting the landmark to their son, Jason.

Jason credits the success of the business to its staff and many loyal customers.

After 80 years, going to Rudy’s has become a tradition for generations of families — and students.

The menu has pretty much remained unchanged. Rudy’s is famous for its fish dinners, Texas hots and prime sunset-watching location on the shore of Lake Ontario.

“Business has been steady. It is weather–dependent,” said Doug Appleman, operations manager. “Fish, fish and the hot sauce — that’s still the favorites. Texas hots, coney hots, you name it, that’s the go-to and the (special) plates.”

Haddock remains the biggest seller. During peak summer hours, they can fry roughly 2,000 pounds each week.

They did a remodel two winters ago. Upgrades include brand new windows, doors, walls, flooring, hoods, fans, exhaust, heating and cooling. The whole front of the building is brand new. Cold days and possible snow in March and October inspired Rudy’s to increase indoor seating.

The restaurant is open from March until October. Opening and closing day mark the unofficial beginning and end of summer for local residents.