Gale Lemerand and Tim Curtis: Partners, Friends, “Family”

Snowmobiling in remote northern Minnesota one winter wasn’t where Tim Curtis and Gale Lemerand first met, but it was the site of a crystalized friendship and partnership now having lasted for more than 20 years.

Together, Curtis and Lemerand have witnessed the growth of brands like Peach Valley Café, now owned by others, and their mainstays, Houligan’s with five locations from Palm Coast to Port Orange, and Stonewood Grill & Tavern with eight locations from Jacksonville to south/southwest Florida, along with other investments they’ve made together beyond the restaurant business.

“Best of friends” who have “never had one cross word,” reports Tim, they both admit to challenging each other, each one “sharpening” the other to be the best they can be in their business and in their personal lives.

After all, says Gale, “I’m interested in Tim doing some of the things that I didn’t do when I was a young man in business.” He goes on, “I respect his work ethic,” but we “talk every day about the need for balancing business with family…because that is necessary and important for everyone.”

Following our interview, Tim sent me a message from a longtime patron at Houligan’s Palm Coast. Fighting for her daughter in a 10-month battle against cancer, this mother tells the story of how the entire Houligan’s team surrounded this family with love and support, becoming family for them in their time of need. She expressed gratitude “for being our place to feel safe, loved, and truly the most at peace.” It’s what they have built/ are building together; a community of caring that permeates every facet of their business. And it’s why it’s a pleasure to tell their story. - TN