SWEET HOME
PLENTY OF PARKING
The
Lakefront Legend
Classic cuisine served on sparkling shores
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer
Photos by MJ Media Productions
Sweet Home is arguably one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. The south Santiam River flows along the north border of the city, with burgeoning creeks throughout originating from picturesque Foster Lake. The charming 1936 former residence overlooking the water is The Point Restaurant & Lounge, a beloved family-friendly destination for fresh, locally sourced meals well-loved by locals and visitors alike.
The Point first opened in 1970 as a restaurant specializing in fresh burgers and homemade pies. Owner Michael Hall was 13 years old when he began mowing the grass to earn money for school clothes and fell in love with the place. He went on to work in the kitchen, wait tables, and serve as Assistant Manager for several years before he and his wife Mirasol bought the restaurant in November 2009.
Over 50 years in business have brought new additions to the menu, such as hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, but the classics The Point is known for, especially the homemade baked goods, are still as tasty as ever! The Alaskan Halibut Fish and Chips are among the current customer favorites and feature fresh halibut, hand-fileted and fried until golden brown. The famous Point Prime Rib is also widely popular with guests, fresh baked with a classic crust and available Thursday through Saturday.
The epitome of casual elegance, The Point’s menu encompasses everything from comfort food served in large portions to filet mignon and lobster. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and mornings offer staples like chicken fried steak and homemade biscuits and gravy. For an extra special dining experience, try The Point’s Signature Bloody Mary Meals, which feature giant bloodys so loaded with goodies you’ll be astonished, like the Cajun Surf and Turf stacked with Angus sirloin tips and jumbo prawns.
As a team, the restaurant designs tasty and creative weekday and weekend features that often highlight seasonal ingredients. Utilizing components from local suppliers is a cornerstone of the operation. “We feature local vendors as much as possible,” Michael explains. “For example, Miner Ranch provides part of our beef, as does Sweet Home Meat Market. Our vegetables come fresh from Wright Family Farm.” Famous for delectable desserts since its inception, The Point welcomes many visitors who travel long distances to get a taste of their authentic recipes that have been handed down for decades. Their rich and velvety cream cheese pies are a particular favorite, with mouth-watering varieties like Marionberry Cream Cheese and Raisin Sour Cream. The Old Fashioned Marionberry Cobbler is to die for and can be served a la mode upon request.
The restaurant has a full bar, and the skilled bartenders can mix delicious cocktails to satisfy any craving, including a fun list of specialty drinks like the Mango-Peach Margarita or the Blackberry Mojito. The wine list boasts a fantastic selection of local wines from Moore Family Vineyard right in Sweet Home. A variety
of brews are on tap, including The Point Special Lager, several microbrews and bottled beer and ciders.
There’s no better combination than exceptional food with a beautiful view, and The Point is adored by customers for its scenic views of Foster Lake, the sweeping shores lined with clusters of tall fir trees. Guests can enjoy their meal inside the comfortable restaurant and lounge or, for a real treat, bask in the spectacular views of the water on the covered patio.
Dedicated to outstanding service, the team at The Point always creates a relaxing dining experience for their guests with warm, attentive smiles and kind words. Besides the group of high-schoolers Michael hires every year for summer jobs, employees are longtenured, with many who’ve been part of the family for over 20 years. “When I
was growing up, restaurant work was an entry-level job,” says Michael. “But over time, the culture has evolved, and here, we treat it as a career.”
The Point is proud to be a destination restaurant for Sweet Home
and the entire Willamette Valley. “It’s perfect for a date night, or for some, we’re their regular stop between Newport and Bend,” Michael says. Besides their loyal local following, there’s a heavy flow of out-oftown guests, some who stop in every week. “They tell us, ‘You’re the reason we come to Sweet Home,’ which is always great to hear.”
The Point Restaurant & Lounge is located at 6305 US-20 in Foster. Please give them a call at 541-367-1560 or visit their website at www.pointsweethome. com/ for reservations and online ordering.
HIGH-QUALITY TASTE, HOMETOWN FEEL
All American Food
Local drive-in keeps nostalgia alive
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
by MJ Media Productions
Had a good Papa Burger lately? Or a frosty root beer float? Living in Sweet Home provides ample opportunity to enjoy these timeless favorites!
Adults, teenagers and kids alike gather with family and friends at the local A&W Restaurant to experience not only great quality food, but also this nostalgic setting which dates back to 1961.
A&W Restaurant franchise owner Josh Hankins is committed to keeping the venue as close to original as possible. Leaning into the nostalgia aesthetic, Sweet Home patrons enjoy car-hop service as well as dine-in ordering utilizing a vintage phone at their table. Both inside orders at the table and outside orders from the car-hop stalls are handled through a switchboard. The customer experience is “pretty much the way it was decades ago,” Josh relates.
And the food? The restaurant focuses on hospitality and fresh food cooked to order. All Classic Burgers are made with 100 percent U.S. beef and served on a lightly toasted bun with the Papa Burger and Bacon Double Cheeseburger topping the list. Who can resist the Papa Burger’s two juicy beef patties with melted American cheese, dressed with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and classic A&W Papa Sauce? Or the Bacon Double Cheeseburger’s 1/3 pound of beef, melted American cheese, crispy hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles?
Other savory menu items include A&W’s juicy 100 percent all-white-meat, hand-breaded chicken, traditional or Coney style hot dogs and corn dog nuggets. Add a tasty side of chili cheese fries, cheese curds, onion rings or traditional French fries to your order and don’t forget the dipping sauce. All Kid’s Meals come with a choice of fries or applesauce, a drink and a special prize from A&W mascot “Rooty.” And, of course, there are daily specials!
Photos
As mascots go, A&W transitioned to Rooty the Great Root Bear™ in 1974. During the 60s, however, A&W was represented by the A&W Burger Family. Papa, Mama and Baby Burger debuted in 1960 and Teen Burger was added in 1963. “I recently traveled to California to pick up a set of Burger Family statues,” Josh remarks. “Papa Burger stands about 9 feet tall, so these are pretty good-sized statues.” A throw-back to a previous era, Josh is having the statues refurbished and is anxious to have the Burger Family join the décor sometime soon.
Famous for its root beer, and known for delicious root beer floats, A&W here in Sweet Home serves up roughly 25,000 root beer floats per year. What you might not know, however, is A&W Root Beer is made fresh onsite using real cane sugar and the original proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries and the company recommends that it’s “best enjoyed in our signature frosty mug!”
Josh Hankins has lived in Sweet Home his whole life
and when presented with an opportunity to purchase the local A&W franchise 25 years ago, he couldn’t believe his good fortune. His wife, who has also lived in Sweet Home for most of her life, was managing for the previous owners at the time they decided to retire. She and Josh purchased and ran the franchise as a team for the first 12 years until they started a family. “Then I started to see less and less of her here.” Josh chuckles. He seems to have it all under control, though, with a current staff around 35, some second generation in their families to work for him.
Sweet Home’s A&W Restaurant is not just a local hang-out joint, it’s a longtime establishment of the community. Veterans and seniors are awarded discounts. Little League teams are sponsored every year by this local franchise. They are members of the Booster Club and “we try to help out in any way we can,” Josh said.
Sweet Home A&W Restaurant is located at 1010 Main St. To order, call 541-367-4893 or visit awrestaurants.com.
Sealing Success
John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of service
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
In 1974, John Lombardi founded John’s Waterproofing with a simple but powerful vision: to protect homes from the damaging effects of moisture in basements and crawl spaces. Initially, Lombardi handled all aspects of the business himself, working tirelessly to build a foundation of trust and excellence. His commitment to delivering high-quality service allowed the company to expand significantly, evolving from a one-man operation to a thriving family-owned business with a reputation for innovation, integrity and customer satisfaction. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that John’s Waterproofing has grown and evolved while remaining true to its roots.
John’s determination and hands-on approach allowed the company to steadily grow for the first couple of decades of its operation. The waterproofing industry, however, began to shift in the 1990s with the introduction of products specifically formulated for basement and crawl space waterproofing on the East Coast.
A company called Contractor Nation dove into the science of waterproofing by crafting products and processes that could provide long-lasting solutions for belowgrade spaces. To ensure John’s Waterproofing offered the best to his neighbors across the PNW, John learned about these new
advances, testing and tailoring them to provide region-specific solutions that set them apart from competitors.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred in 2019 when long-time employee Robin Ekloff took over ownership when John retired. Ekloff, who has worked for John’s Waterproofing since 1997, ensured that the transition was smooth, maintaining the same level of service and integrity the company was known for. Under Ekloff’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive and innovate. Adding new services such as electrical work, Cummins whole-home generators and radon mitigation, John’s Waterproofing has positioned itself as a comprehensive home health solution provider.
Over the last five decades, the waterproofing and foundation repair industry has seen tremendous technological advancements, and John’s Waterproofing has consistently remained at the forefront. One of the most significant innovations is the CleanSpace® crawl space vapor barrier, which is a 20-mil thick woven material designed to completely seal out groundwater. This system helps protect homes from moisture and mold and deters pests while improving energy efficiency. In addition to CleanSpace®, the company offers the TripleSafe™ sump pump, which ensures that below-grade spaces always stay dry by efficiently pumping water away from the foundation. John’s takes pride in improving indoor air quality by keeping the space dry at all times to prevent mold spores and allergens from reaching the living areas above.
As a familyowned company, John’s Waterproofing has always placed a strong emphasis on creating a positive work environment and fostering a sense of integrity throughout its operations. Many employees are family members or long-time staff who have become like family. This strong internal culture ensures that every employee is dedicated to delivering the best possible service to customers. Ekloff has continued Lombardi’s practice of leading by example, reinforcing a culture of honesty, reliability, and community service.
Current owner, Robin Ekloff and his wife Shelley 2023
Founder John Lombardi with his wife Mavis
The new John’s Waterproofing building
John & Mavis Lombardi
The company’s commitment to integrity extends beyond its workforce. John’s Waterproofing is heavily involved in community initiatives, supporting Habitat for Humanity, local schools, the Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) and the Mount Angel American Legion. By actively participating in these efforts, the company not only helps improve the lives of its neighbors but also reinforces its role as a trusted community partner.
Since taking over in 2019, Ekloff has introduced several new product lines and services to help grow the company. One of his key initiatives has been expanding the company’s offerings to include home electrical services and installing Cummins home generators. With these new additions, John’s Waterproofing provides comprehensive solutions to homeowners, ensuring their homes are protected from water damage and equipped to handle
power outages and other potential hazards. Despite the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Ekloff has successfully grown the company, and it continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, John’s Waterproofing is preparing for new industry trends. One of the most significant shifts has been the growing demand for basement finishing as more people work from
home. Before converting a basement into a livable space, homeowners must ensure it’s appropriately waterproofed to avoid costly repairs later on. John’s Waterproofing offers specialized services to help homeowners protect their investment and create additional square footage in their homes.
As John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of excellence, the company remains committed to providing topquality waterproofing services and helping homeowners create healthier, safer living spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement or a damp crawl space or simply want to improve your home’s air quality, John’s Waterproofing offers free inspections and personalized recommendations to meet your specific needs. To learn more, visit their website at johnswaterproofing.com or call them at 503-873-5650.
Robin and John in 2019 when Robin purchased the company
Roasting Tips
Olive oil or butter? Olive oil provides a more neutral backdrop while butter adds a buttery taste. You choose.
Use the oven’s center rack.
Don’t crowd the pan.
Watch seeds carefully to ensure they don't burn.
Gourmet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Satisfy your post-carving cravings
Spicy-Sweet
2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
3 tablespoons butter, melted (or olive oil)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* pinch of cayenne pepper
* freshly ground black pepper
Preheat to 325°. In medium bowl, combine butter, syrup, 3/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, ginger, pinch of cayenne pepper and few grinds of black pepper. Add seeds and toss to coat. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake — stirring halfway through — until browned and fragrant, about 20 to 30 minutes. Season with pinch of salt.
Garlic-Parmesan
2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or butter)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine oil, cheese, garlic powder and salt. Add seeds and toss to coat. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake — stirring halfway through — until golden brown and fragrant, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Stand-Out Service Since 2019
Premier real estate services in Linn County
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer Photos by MJ Media Productions
Oregon Real Estate Professionals LLC truly stands out for its exceptional customer service. Led by owner/principal broker Todd Branson, the agency puts clients first and ensure every transaction is handled with care, integrity and a personal touch. Their mission is to guide clients through buying and selling ventures across Linn County. Covering Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Jefferson, Scio, Crabtree, Cascadia, Tangent, Crawfordsville and the surrounding areas, they offer personalized service and unparalleled expertise to both buyers and sellers.
Linn County’s idyllic landscape, with its rolling green hills and pristine lakes and rivers, provides a serene escape for all. Whether you’re in the market for a home, a commercial space or a recreational property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals has the ideal options. Sellers particularly benefit from the area’s natural beauty, which enhances the appeal of their properties and attracts eager buyers looking to be part of this breathtaking environment.
Established in 2019, the agency was built on the pillars of integrity, transparency and client satisfaction. Armed with extensive knowledge and insights, the brokers offer
invaluable guidance and expertise to ensure informed decisions at every stage of the real estate journey. Whether navigating a competitive market or negotiating the best deal, clients can rely on the Oregon Real Estate Professionals team. Each member is committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of clients, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate journey.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals understands the diverse needs of every buyer. With a flexible approach, they customize their services to match each client’s specific requirements. Leveraging the advanced tools of the Willamette Valley Multiple Property Listing Service, the brokers ensure comprehensive access to all available listings and offer expert guidance so that every individual finds the perfect fit for their unique desires and aspirations.
When selling your property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals goes the extra mile to ensure success. The team begins by analyzing market trends, considering the urgency of the sale and your specific goals. Through a comprehensive evaluation, they determine the optimal value of your property, providing you with a clear understanding of its worth. This strategic approach facilitates a quick sale and maximizes profitability, giving you peace of mind throughout the process. From initial pricing to closing the deal, their expertise ensures a seamless and lucrative transaction, allowing you to confidently move forward with your real estate goals.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals continues to set the bar high, ensuring every client’s real estate journey is exceptional. Contact them today to discover why they are the best choice for all real estate needs in Linn County. Call (541) 258-6100, visit oregonrealestateprofessionals. com, or stop by their office at 2345 S. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.
