C.R. Heroes Family Pub first opened its doors to its community— now its family—in 2002. Now 16 years later, owner Stephanie Boehm has seen first dates evolve into marriages, newlyweds into new parents, and babies into school children.
Boehm helped the restaurant’s original owner, Hugh Diehl, first open C.R. Heroes, and worked as managing partner for the first couple of years. When Diehl retired in 2004, Boehm jumped at the chance to purchase the restaurant.
“We moved a lot when I was growing up and I never knew what it was like to be a part of a community,” said Boehm. “I love that my children get to experience this. All three of them have worked here throughout school and college breaks. We have the nicest customers who have turned into some great friends.”
Boehm brings the same personal touch that she applies with her customers to her menu as well. Her ingredients are fresh, never frozen, and almost everything is made from scratch. Every chicken tender and pork tenderloin are hand breaded to order.
And there can be no denying the two favorite menu items among C. R. Heroes customers.
“Nobody comes to C.R. Heroes without getting hot pretzels, they’re a must! The Hoosier Daddy (pork tenderloin) is fantastic and ranks up there with the best in Indiana,” says Boehm.
Boehm’s favorite menu item? The only one that has been there since the beginning.
“A lot of people don’t know this but, we have the BEST ribs!” she says. “They fall right off the bone and have been the only item that has stayed the same on the menu for 16+ years.”
At this family pub, kids can order from their own specialty food and drink menu, complete with concoctions like the Ogre Punch, served with a bouncy eyeball on top. On Tuesdays, kids eat free from 5 p.m. until close with each adult purchase of $8 or more.
The restaurant name, C.R. Heroes, is a play on the phrase “See Our Heroes.” The interior is decorated with memorabilia honoring heroes of all kinds, from local firefighters and police officers to superheroes.
For Boehm, the restaurant is a place for the community to gather, to celebrate life’s happy moments, or just enjoy a good meal. And while her customers are her family, her staff are the bonds that keep the family strong.
“I have the greatest staff, seriously. I have several cooks who have worked for me 10+ years and servers/bartenders who have been here 5-10 years,” says Boehm. “I’m very proud of this little restaurant. It isn’t in the new, cool downtown area, but hopefully we’ll be here for many years to come.”