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Porter’s Cafe in Superior, AZ
Porter’s Cafe, home of the world famous Superior Burger, is much like the eighties television show: it’s a place where everyone knows your name. The cafe has a full service bar, plenty of food choices and a patio. It is also one of Superior’s dog friendly establishments where you can bring your pet to dinner on the patio.
Lynn Heglie at Porter’s Cafe in Superior, AZ.
Lynn Heglie, owner of the restaurant, came to Superior 20 years ago. He became interested in Superior after many of his customers at his barber shop in Mesa were from Superior.
“I started coming to Superior and just checking things. It was so beautiful so I decided to move up here,” he said.
At first he opened a barber shop then he grew his business to include a restaurant. His first restaurant was Cafe Piedra Roja which he ran for several years and then sold.
“I missed the restaurant business,” he explained, “so when Billy Holmquist offered me the opportunity to rent Porter’s I decided to go with it.” Heglie also got involved with the Superior Chamber of Commerce and eventually also served as a member of the Superior Town Council. He has stayed an active member of the community and is always there to support local causes.
Over the past few years, the restaurant has grown in popularity as more and more visitors flock to Superior to enjoy local events, outdoor recreation and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. But it remains a favorite of the locals as well. Porter’s has become an unofficial campaign stop for many elected officials throughout the years; the patio has hosted many benefit corn hole tournaments and celebrations. Heglie explained that he hopes to expand the hours later in the evening once the Magma Hotel opens.
The menu features a daily special, salads, nachos and one of the biggest club sandwiches around along with their handmade burgers. Fresh cut fries are a favorite but they always have fresh fruit for those who are counting their calories. Heglie purchases a large portion of his restaurant needs from local stores.
Heglie’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs: “Get into something you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it,” he said. “The restaurant and bar business is hard work so you really have to enjoy it.”
Porter’s is located at 404 W. Main St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays until 5 p.m.
The “In Your Biz” column is sponsored weekly by the Superior Chamber of Commerce in an effort to further promote their business members. To learn more about the Superior Chamber of Commerce you can visit their website www.superiorarizonachamber.org or call them at 520-689-0200. The Chamber meets the third Wednesday of every month at their building 165 Main St. in Superior, Arizona. Those planning on attending the Chamber luncheons do need to RSVP prior to the meeting, please call Deb McKee to RSVP at 520-827-1773.
Article compiled by Mila Besich-Lira for Superior Sun – Copper Area News Publishers.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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