If you’ve stopped in at the La Playette in St. Joseph in the last 34 years, (if you’re reading this, I’d say chances are good that you have) you’ve no doubt heard the friendly, booming voice of proprietor-par-excellence Mark Zimmer greet you with his signature line: “Let’s have one!”
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the venerable watering hole known as “The La”-the home away from home for Johnnies and Bennies and the local watering hole for, well, the locals. Started in 1958 by O.C. and Kay Dierkhising, the La featured 10 cent taps and 30 cent drinks, and was “just a bar” until adding food in 1962. The La soon became famous for its Hanging Beef featured on Thursday nights, and food critics hailed this out of the way spot as one of the top gourmet food and wine restaurants in Minnesota. Three of O.C. and Kay’s sons, Drake, Eric and Alex, purchased the bar/restaurant in 1970 and owned it until 1974, when the La was sold to Mark and Ron Zimmer. The Dierkhising boys were well schooled in their small home town, as all of them gravitated westward and made names for themselves in the food and wine business in and around Napa Valley, California. And Kay, of course, took her wonderful home-style cooking down the street to Kay’s Kitchen.
The Zimmer era at the La has seen many changes. Ron sold in the early 80’s to brother Rudy, who eventually sold out in 1997. Mark acquired a new partner a few years later, when his lovely and talented wife Peg entered the picture. The building was expanded for many years, and recently contracted back down to its original size. A full kitchen was in place and the back room was a favorite for receptions and group gatherings for many years. The Sunday brunch was considered by many to be the best around.
Through all of the changes, one thing has remained. “We have such a loyal following, from students to the locals,” Zimmer said, adding, “You can come in here at any given time and see folks from 21 to 71.” Mark has fond memories of the students he has met over the years, who now stop in to visit when they come back to the area. The excitement of Johnnie sports has brought crowds before and after games, and packed the house for Stagg Bowl appearances with those unable to make the trips. And you don’t run a joint for 34 years without experiencing one more thing…”I’ve started to meet the sons and daughters of some of my old customers,” Zimmer says fondly. “Before and after the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter dances at the schools, groups will stop in and it’s not unusual for me to know both generations.”
This weekend September 11, 12 & 13, (Thursday-Saturday) the La will be featuring many 50th anniversary specials such as free hors d’hoeuvres, drink specials (ending in “.50″) and prizes, and a barbecue before and after Saturday’s football game. Members of the Dierkhising family will be in town to help celebrate and expect to see appearances from some old faces from “behind the bar”.
So stop in at the La Playette this weekend and “Let’s have one!”
