Caledonia Argus

Little Miami feels like home to new owners

Posted: 1/22/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Little Miami in Freeburg may be changing hands, but local folks will be glad to know that it wonít be changing much else under the new owners, Tim and Sandy Pattrin.

The Pattrins took over Little Miami on January 10 from Duane and Linda Covey, who operated the business for 8 1/2 years. Duane is a familiar fixture at the door, clipboard in hand, seating customers and maintaining order while Linda worked in the kitchen preparing the fish, chicken and other entrees that Little Miami is known for.

Tim formerly worked for Wayzata Public Schools as video communications director, while Sandy operated the coupleís restaurant, Sandyís Classic Cafe, which served Maid-Rite sandwiches. They decided that they wanted to make a change in their lives and began looking for a restaurant in part of the state they enjoyed visiting-such as the North Shore or Red Wing area. But they found nothing available that suited them.

Then, they heard about Little Miami. When trying to find it, it was so out of the way that they thought they must have taken a wrong turn. But they eventually found Little Miami, and were impressed with what they found.

ìThe first thing I noticed was how clean it was,î said Tim. He said he was stunned to see the amount of business that the restaurant brought in. Not only that, but he and Sandy felt comfortable from the start. When they left after their first visit, said Sandy, ìWe felt like we were leaving home.î

Tim and Sandy decided in July that they would sell their home and business and make the move to Freeburg. Selling their house was more difficult than they thought it was going to be, but Duane and Linda were patient, and extended their contract twice before the Pattrins were actually able to move. They are looking forward to their new venture with enthusiasm.

ìThey have built a heck of a business over the years and we hope to continue that,î said Tim.

Duane comments that the business is ìall theirs,î but Tim points out that the Coveys are staying on in a ìquality controlî capacity. Sandy will learn Lindaís duties in the kitchen and Tim will learn what Duane does.

ìWe want them to stay around awhile,î said Tim.

Duane and Linda say they are in ìno hurry,î and want the Pattrins to feel comfortable before leaving the scene completely. They plan to do some traveling once the transition is complete, and have planned a trip to Alaska.

Tim and Sandy are especially excited to be located in such a scenic part of the state.

ìWe have such beautiful views. I thank God we can live in such a beautiful community,î said Tim.

Sandy describes taking over the restaurant as ìfun and exciting,î and said she and Tim are eager to learn more about the area and the people who live here. So far, the people have welcomed their new neighbors warmly. Tim said it will be a challenge to remember everyoneís nicknames. They said they are impressed with the work ethic of the employees.

As for Duane and Linda, who took over Little Miami on July 1, 1993, when it was just a 7-stool bar, they will miss the loyal customers they served over the years and thank them for their business.

ìWe met a lot of nice people here, weíll miss them,î said Linda.

Gift certificates purchased from Coveyís Little Miami will be honored through the end of the year.

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