The Third Coast Spice Café and Lemon Tree restaurants have raised the bar in Chesterton thanks to the ingenuity of David Wodrich, his lovely wife, Lisa, and their two beautiful children, Ethan and Abigail.
“Both of our restaurants cater to those who have specific allergies and also to those who enjoy natural foods that are not riddled with MSG or other preservatives. My family has had a huge role in determining the menu because of our various vulnerabilities to assorted edible items. I can guarantee that our foods are freshly made in house every day to serve all of our guests’ needs,” Wodrich said.
Wodrich and his wife have about 30 years of experience each in the restaurant business. He likes to say that combined, their efforts add up to roughly 60 years of knowledge on nutrition and organizational insight.
On June 19, 2008, Third Coast Spice Café opened—exactly two years after his daughter’s kidney transplant at 18-months old. Miraculously, Wodrich was able to donate his kidney to his highly determined little girl and today she is still going strong.
About four and a half years later, Wodrich and his wife decided to open another establishment called Lemon Tree. Lisa wanted to introduce Mediterranean cuisine to those living in or visiting Chesterton and on top of that, wanted to provide additional vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lots of time and attention was given to make the menu just right. Their magnificent falafels took two weeks to perfect, and the effort was not wasted.
“Without Lisa’s help, Third Coast Spice Café and Lemon Tree would not have such creative arrangements and artistic atmospheres. I really cannot thank her enough for everything that she has brought to both of our restaurants. Each individual we hire adds to the success and strength of our outlets. All of us help the growth of our team through respect and trust,” Wodrich said.
There are numerous organizations which utilize the catering opportunities of Third Coast Spice Café and Lemon Tree a few of them being the Duneland Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, and Discovery Charter School. Third Coast hosts an annual Prime Rib Dinner for the Kiwanis Club to benefit various causes and has catered Discovery Charter School fundraisers.
Wodrich additionally works with the Duneland Business Initiative Group (B.I.G) and caters food for the Taste of Duneland and European Market. He has also been involved in the Oz Festival and holds a position on the Porter Town Council representing Ward 1.
These events and organizations help Wodrich reach out to the community and also increase his clientele which he is thankful for.
“I’m grateful that the community of Chesterton is so understanding and considerate of its members. There are countless individuals who have helped me stay afloat—because of them our menu is unlike anywhere else in the area. Pete Makris has always been such a positive contributor to our overall growth at Third Coast as a landlord and benefactor,” Wodrich said.
When he is not working, Wodrich enjoys time with his family and playing his guitar which was given to him as a birthday gift. He loves being involved in his son’s and daughter’s hobbies as well. Ethan loves participating in soccer and Cub Scouts while Abigail performs in her recitals at Premiere Performance, LLC in Chesterton. On occasion, the whole family also goes to plays at the Cadillac Theatre in Chicago. Wodrich hopes to see Phantom of the Opera in the near future and take his family to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.