The Sutton Legion Restaurant is now under the management of Jake Zoucha and his fiancée, Anna Kerr, who are bringing together their backgrounds in food service, business and community involvement to build on the restaurant’s longtime traditions while introducing new ideas.
For Zoucha, the opportunity combines a lifelong love of cooking with a desire to preserve an important part of the Sutton community.
“I personally love to cook,” he said. “In the Navy I was a chef, and in 2024 I started a smoked meats and catering business, Wet Woody’s Smoked Meat LLC. As adjutant for the Argonne American Legion Post 61, I was able to see the opportunity to preserve this establishment for the community and, with Anna’s help, it was feasible for me to take on this new venture.” The couple has assumed full management of the restaurant through a lease agreement.
Although Zoucha continues working as a tire sales representative for CPI, where he has been employed for the past 13 years, he said the restaurant is truly a partnership.
“I have been with CPI the past 13 years, currently employed as a tire sales representative while running Wet Woody’s on the side,” he said. “Anna has many years of business and management experience and has wholeheartedly embraced my possibly crazy idea of taking this on while I keep my day job and we raise our three kids.”
While Zoucha continues his full-time career, Kerr manages the Sutton Legion Restaurant full time, overseeing the day-to-day operations. She said she is looking forward to getting to know community members and hearing their ideas for the restaurant.
Customers can expect a blend of familiar favorites and fresh ideas.
“We are hoping to spice up the menu a bit, starting with some new specials to try and maybe adding some events such as a pitch or euchre competition night,” Zoucha said.
One of the first noticeable changes is expanded hours. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 9, the restaurant will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays for brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the bar remaining open until 5 p.m.
Zoucha said his long-term goal is to see the Legion Restaurant continue to thrive as a place where the community gathers.
“I would love to see it thrive as a staple of the community as I remember it when we would visit it when I was a kid,” he said.
The new management team also wants customers to know their input is welcome.
“We are open to any and all suggestions, big or small,” Zoucha said. “Whether it’s food or drink options or events, we’d love to hear the ideas and see if we can make them happen.”
Even with new ideas on the horizon, longtime customers can still expect many of the restaurant’s signature offerings.
“We are keeping the traditions the community knows the Legion to provide, along with favorite specials like the broasted chicken, prime rib and fish,” Zoucha said.
As they begin this new chapter, Zoucha and Kerr hope to create a welcoming place where longtime patrons feel at home, new visitors feel welcome and the Sutton Legion Restaurant continues to serve as a gathering place for the community for years to come.
