Laid off from his factory job of thirty-one years, this week’s Life in the Spotlight brought his hard work and perseverance to the table to become his own boss, joining the strong Valparaiso community of local independent business owners. Patrick Truax looked at the niche market and recognized an opening for a hotdog stand. Through hard work, determination, and a long span of preparation, Patrick opened Valpo Vienna and has since become an active and valued member of the Valparaiso community.
“Every day is a learning process,” Patrick states. Having worked for thirty-one years in a factory, Patrick had no previous restaurant experience. However, that hasn’t stopped him. Prior to opening Valpo Vienna, Patrick attended Hotdog University where he learned the ins and outs of the Chicagoland hot dog industry. He also spent a year in communication with Vienna Beef, learning more about the industry expectations, guidelines, and methods. Patrick prides himself on his restaurant’s sanitation and has worked from day one to ensure that everything he does is up to code and exceeds expectations.
Throughout his journey, Patrick has received help from many members of the Valparaiso community, among others. The Roundabout chips, named after the Valparaiso roundabout, are made with a machine Patrick created with the help of a man in Chicago. The recipe for the barbecue chips served at Valpo Vienna comes from another business owner in South Bend.
Patrick states that in Valparaiso, “everybody is here to help one another out – even competing businesses.”
Louie at Martini’s and Pete at Petey’s City Grill have helped Patrick on different occasions, among a number of others within the community. A customer once offered Patrick the keys to his own truck when he heard Patrick was in need of help.
“That’s one of the best things about Valparaiso,” Patrick says. There is a strong sense of community and a wish to see others succeed among the people here, and Patrick both appreciates and partakes in that spirit of neighborly well wishing.
For Patrick, the ability to give back to the community is one of the most rewarding aspects of running his business. Currently, Valpo Vienna is booked through October with volunteer and charity events. Patrick has donated his time and services to bingo nights and local business events. He has worked with the parks departments and has participated in events throughout Porter County. Valpo Vienna supports the Pop Warner dining card and even cooked for the construction workers who built the roundabout downtown.
Patrick is deeply grateful for the community’s support of his business. The loyalty of his customers never ceases to amaze and humble him, while the help and support of his family and friends keep him going and inspires him every day.
“The regulars make this worthwhile,” Patrick states, smiling as he remarks about the wonders of a small town and all of the shared histories he has discovered in meeting his customers.
Valpo Vienna has a familial connection that is important to Patrick as well. On opening day, his mother was not only present but also cut the ribbon to celebrate the event. Doctors had told her she would not live long enough to do so, yet she was able to participate in this wonderful moment in her son’s life.
“Valpo Vienna is my dad’s kind of place,” Patrick says, in addition. He recalls past Sunday outings with his father to Coney King and Chuck Wheeler’s, where he cultivated his love of hotdogs and bonded with his dad. Now, Valpo Vienna’s Italian beef is made with Patrick’s father’s recipe and named Butch’s Italian Beef in his honor.
In the four years since Valpo Vienna has opened, Patrick has had a great many memorable experiences. Each year he looks forward to Popcorn Fest and the Fourth of July fireworks in which Valpo Vienna participates. Though the work is demanding, Patrick enjoys what he does, looking forward to interacting with his guests and regulars every day. There have even been a few pleasantly surprising moments over the years, such as when the American Pickers stopped by for a bite to eat, causing quite the stir in Valparaiso.
With such firm sentimental roots in this community, Patrick hopes to see Valpo Vienna grow and continue on in the years to come. He is looking forward to growing the menu, adding barbecue pulled pork and wings, and revamping the kitchen.
Overall, Patrick has found this journey to be a rewarding one, and he is grateful to have been able to pursue this career. The support of the community and both his employees and customers inspire him daily. For this, he loves what he does, and he is forever grateful to be a part of the Valparaiso community.