Location: 2800 W. First St., Springfield
Contact: (937) 323-5000 and www.colliersfamilyrestaurant.com.
Background/overview: Matt Tarzinski worked as a sales representative for Gordon Food Service (GFS) for about five years. One of his standard appointments was with Collier's Family Restaurant. He knew then owners, Ronald and Connie Collier, were planning to retire and eager to sell their restaurant. With his work experience being a great preparation for restaurant ownership, Matt and his wife Melissa purchased the well-respected establishment on Oct. 28, 2013.
Along with the help of their four children and devoted Collier’s Staff that’s led by longtime general manager Joe Krebs, the transition has been pretty smooth in their first year. The new owners take pride in serving traditional American foods, “Made from scratch, freshest ingredients, and locally sourced.” With only a few minor changes and a few new menu options to compliment the already generous servings and time-tested recipes, the dining pleasures appear the same at the very popular Collier’s Family Restaurant.
The menu
Beverages: "Cadillac" brand coffee-.50 w/free refills; hot tea-.50 w/free refills; Pepsi-cola products, iced tea or lemonade w/free refills-$1.99; milk-$1.99.
Breakfast: "Super Breakfast Specials," like Triple Berry Waffle w/side-$6.89.
Sandwiches: "Super Sandwich Specials," like Texas Fried Pork Cutlet w/Chips & side $6.89.
Daily Specials: Posted daily with prices.
Weekend Specials: Fri.-Lasagna-$9.99, "All-You-Can-Eat" perch-$10.99, or prime rib (served Fri., Sat., & Sun.)-$10.99/13.99. Sat.-"Our Famous Big Pork Chops" w/two sides-$9.99/$11.99, or Asian-Style Stir Fry w/side-$10.99; Sun.-Homemade Ham Loaf and Glaze w/two sides-$9.99, or Country Meat Loaf w/two sides $9.99.
Dinner: Fried Chicken (everyday "best seller"), two-piece starts at $6.99; Tenderloin-$7.99.
Soups: Five soups homemade daily, including the "Soup-of-the-Day"- $2.49 cup/$3.49 bowl.
Salad: The "House" dressing is a homemade sweet and sour dressing, which aims to highlight your salad preference.
Senior Menu (55 or older only): A list of many choices with prices.
Children's Menu (10 & under): A list of many meals-$3.99 (includes a side & drink).
Desserts (changes weekly, these are typical offerings): Black Raspberry Cobbler, Coffee Cake, or Oatmeal Cake-starting at $2.89 a slice; Buckeye Pie is the "Signature" Collier's dessert made with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cream, or Derby Pie made with Pecans/Chocolate/Caramel-$2.99 a slice.
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Thanksgiving Day will feature a special holiday menu homemade at Collier's, as well as offering guests all of its wide-ranging menu selections.
More information: There's plenty of free parking surrounding the building. Three large dining rooms provide an abundance of customer seating. Wi-Fi access is free to patrons. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more; a 24-hour notice is appreciated.
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