Sitting right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Michigan City offers the ideal space for many different types of businesses to come together to create a prosperous beachside community. This includes a vibrant food scene, made complete by local favorite, The Polish Peasant.
As the name indicates, The Polish Peasant serves up a variety of homemade Polish entrees and treats for people to enjoy. The restaurant also offers customized catering services and menus for weddings and larger events.
The Polish Peasant was brought to life in 2003 by husband and wife duo Mark and Amanda Kolasa. Both Michigan City born and raised, they knew this was the perfect place to get their business up and running, a decision they're still proud to stand by two decades later.
The Kolasas' passion for their hometown runs deep, and their love for the Michigan City community has inspired them to serve up much more than just delicious meals over the years.
"Giving back to this community is very fulfilling because we love to connect and to create deep and meaningful relationships," Mark Kolasa said. "At a local level, we go to churches, donate food to the local shelters, and help with food preparation. About 12 years ago. Amanda and I helped revitalize the Polish Heritage Festival in Michigan City, where we sat on the board. Giving back to something greater than yourself is a great feeling."
To help make an even greater impact in Michigan City, the Kolasas are currently in the process of relocating the restaurant from its current location by the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets into the downtown area this September. While a short move, they're excited to become more integrated with the heart of the city itself while also creating a better space for the customers near and dear to their hearts.
"One of the reasons that we're moving is to accommodate our patrons better while still giving them a cozy and friendly atmosphere. As part of the new restaurant, patrons can come in and still have the same homemade items they've always had. We're also going to be expanding our menu with some of the options we've had from our previous restaurants, which will give them more variety," Mark Kolasa said. "Our new place will have more accessible and better parking for customers and patrons, and we'll also be offering a new meeting space and a new private party area. These new additions came directly from our customers asking for more venues to offer these amenities, and we wanted to reinvest back into our community."
Community support and feedback have been crucial to The Polish Peasant. The Kolasas love interacting with customers any chance they get, and it's these interactions that genuinely make their restaurant endeavors worthwhile.
"We've been doing this for many years. Since the very beginning, Amanda and I have worked together. Every day we work our business, where people can stop in and see us; that is what being local is all about. You always have somebody you can rely on, and that's what's important to us. Amanda is usually more in the front of the house. Customers can come in and see her while I'm in the back of the house, preparing the food," Mark Kolasa said.
In addition to customer support, the Kolasas appreciate the many local businesses that have contributed to The Polish Peasant's success, particularly REGIONAL federal credit union. "They have a small business mentality, and because of that, they've been a big help with strategic planning, different loan programs, marketing, and have been a great partner." Mark Kolasa said.
The Kolasas and the Polish Peasant hope to expand upon their ever-growing community. They are looking for more to join their team.
