The story of Bill's Inn is the subject of some controversy.
Some say it goes back to 1921. As far back as we can find, it started in 1941.
According to the research, Bill's Inn was founded by William Helms on
August 25th (1941). Bill served his customers with
fresh products, quality service and a desire to be original. The fish breading
was cornmeal based, which was unique and very original indeed. It
was more common then for fish fry's to use a cracker meal based breading, but
not Bill. Bill stuck with his cornmeal and only used fresh cut french fries.
This was the foundation of Bill's Inn and it is still the same today.
Bill's Inn stayed in Helms' family for the next 23 years.
On February 13, 1964 the Helms family turned over the reigns to a retired
railroad worker by the name of Ed Klotz. Ed Klotz followed all the same
practices as the Helms' family with the help of Jim Smith. This is where
Scott's eaarly contact with Bill's Inn first came in. When Scott was 10-11
years old, him and his sisters would ride their bicycles down to Bill's to
cut the french fries for Ed and Jim. Not then knowing that he would be running the
same store many years later.
Ed and Jim served their customers faithfully until August 9th
of 1976. That's when Ed sold the business and Jimmy moved on to start his ownbusiness.
Ed sold to Robert Phelps. Robert owned it until May 5th
of 1986. With progress moving forward, the building was torn down to make room for
the Rite Ais drug store. The drug store now sits on the site of the last Bill's Inn
at the corner of South Salina and Fillmore streets.
Did it end then, in 1986? Nope! Jimmy Smith decided on January 11,
1996 that there were still people that wanted the original Bill's Inn Fish Fry
that no one (try as they might) had ever duplicated. So, Jim Smith re-opened Bill's
Inn and it was warmly welcomed back. In September of 2005, Jimmy decided that he was
ready to hang up the "tongs". He turned over the legacy to his nephew Scott Smith,
who proudly fries the fish today.
" I hope that you enjoy your experiance and will help
me to carry on the name 'Bill's Inn' for another 64 years. It is my privilege to
serve you and your family for many years to come. " -Scott Smith
As exciting as the Bill's Inn history alone is, we can't forget about the people who
continue to make it what it is today! So, the section below is dedicated to the current Bill's employees.
Also known as "Team Bill's"!
No Image
Chrissy is the morning girl now! She's been doing the things that Ash used to do
and just as well! (and no one could replace either). She has been dabbling in a bit of everything here.
You will mostly catch her cooking and on register since she is quite a people person.
She is always making us laugh, but, she is also a great listener. She's another favorite, popular
and requested member of the team.
If Chrissy waits on you, you will be sure to leave with a smile.
Thank you Chrissy!!
Mary
Mary, oh Mary...
Mary has been a Team Bill's member for many months now. She is one of the hardest workers we have on the team.
She's always smiling and always happy to do her part and more. Mary's specialty is (by far) cooking
anything on that grill. She has talent!!
She can make a MEAN cheese steak sandwich, and
her burgers are to die for! Mary is a great griller and a heavenly hard worker...but what she
is known for above all else is for what a beautiful person she is! When you've got a girl like
Mary on team Bill's, you've got a friend for life.
We love you Mary!!!
Holly
Holly is our newest and cutest addition. She fits in perfect with her
sassy attitude, but of course, friendly costumer interaction. So far
shes just been learning the ropes but, shes been quick on her feet
and easily knowledgeable. I have a feeling with how well she
has been doing so far, that she'll be a Bill's team member for a good while!
Welcome Holly!
Ashley
Ashley is now our on and off girl, but
has still been a tremendous contributor of Team Bill's. She started working at Bill's Inn about 1 year ago.
Ashley now only helps out on occasion. (she thinks it's because we need her help, but really
its because we miss her pretty face..awww. kisses hunny muffin.)
She was one of the many fantastic cooks here at Bill's. Her specialties included, but were not limited to...doing her
part to make sure the costumers got the service they desired, making the 1/2 pound ground beef burgers
like no one else could and cooking everything else as well. All of our regulars continuously ask about how
she is and when she'll be back. So, for those who were wondering, Shes great, she has a new job
that she loves, and you might catch her sneaking in on Friday's, so stop by then to catch up!
Thank you Ashley!!
Donald
(but known as "Babe!)
Babe is on the Team not as a worker but as a very special part of Bill's Inn.
He's here almost daily "testing the food" to make sure it's up to
standards ;) and giving us constant company on those slower days.
He is our Bill's Inn teddy bear, he's always here when you need a friend
and don't you just want to hug him?
Big Hugs Babe!
Wendy
Wendy is on team Bill's as a helper when we need her! But, as with the rest of the team
she has her own famous specialty. What she is famous for, are her insanely delicious deserts!
With her scrumptious S'mores bars, and her drool worthy Apple crisp.
She makes one of our favorite additions to the team.But, you guys better get those deserts
before we do, because they are too good for our good! She also has her very own catering
service, which is fantastic
Thanks Wendy, for your great deserts (for more on Wendy's
catering and/or deserts
visit Lunches You Love.com).
Hilary
Hilary has been with team Bill's for over two years now! She makes sure that
everyone know their job and stays on track. She is a great cook and keeps everything rolling.
(Especially on Friday when it's the busiest.)
When anyone has any
questions or confusion, Hilary is the one to straighten things out! She is also
responsible for the web programming, which is tough work. She adores her customers
and her team members, and they can alway come to her for help and advice.
Thanks, Hilary!!
Scott
(The [ring] Leader)
Scott has been with team Bill's before there was a team. As a young boy, he cut french
fries for one of the previous owners, and is now the owner himself. He is the "leader of
pack". Not only does he cook and take orders, he also manages all the employees,
does all that boring paperwork, and is always coming up with the most intriguing
new ideas that keeps the Bill's Inn costumers guessing. (But, we will always have the original
thats brought us 86 years). With being so busy operating two locations he still
makes the time to make us and our costumers laugh. People love our great food and
Scott's silly jokes, and great personality.
He has made Bill's Inn
the succesful fish fry it is today. He makes sure everything is always fresh, he uses
the best ingrediants, and only the finest plastic wear around ;). Scott not only
treats us great,but he makes sure that all of our costumers are given the best service available.
Scott has made Bill's Inn famous for the absolute best service anywhere and treats
everyone like royalty.
Thanks most to Scott,
For being our friend,
Our manager,
and making Bill's Inn a place
where everyone is welcome and happy to be.
Your customers adore you,
and so does your team.
So, thanks from all of us!!
