There’s no torch to pass at the Neon Grill–but the burger-flipping spatula is in new hands. Camille Radde, husband Scott Radde and their son James Radde are the new owners of the Niles Avenue landmark. They’re only the second owners, having purchased the Neon Grill from founders Cindy and Dale Haigler on August 1. The Haigler’s created the place and ran it for 29 years before thinking about retirement.
Camille says “We’re thrilled and happy with the opportunity. Everybody loves the place. We just want to live up to the tradition!” The tradition would be largely focused on the Neon Grill Cheeseburger Deluxe, a/k/a “The Olive Burger.”
After all, people who grew up in St. Joe and Benton Harbor take their Olive Burgers pretty seriously. If you want your olive burger compared to the famous Roxy Burger, you’ve got a lot to live up to! And many burger fans say the Neon Grill’s rendition is solidly in the running as the”heir apparent” to the Roxy Burger.
Camille says they won’t change much. “We plan to leave things exactly the same, except we’ll add credit cards,” when they can do it without a service disruption. She explains the business never had a computer or wi-fi installed. She acknowledges that “no cards” is the biggest–almost the only–complaint she’s gotten from customers. The Grill will remain “Drive Thru Only” and open six days a week, 10:30 am to 9 pm. “Sunday is family time,” says Camille.
Where did the new burger entrepreneurs come from? Camille was the Admissions Director at Caretel, a health care facility in St. Joseph Township. Scott is with AEP/I & M Electric and has about five years until he’d devote full time to the Neon Grill. James, 25, is fulltime after previous stints in retail at Best Buy and Gordon Food Service. Neon Grill has six employees, all with considerable tenure. Camille says “We are learning from them.” She hopes and believes they will all stay on the new team.
If you have suggestions for the future of the Neon Grill, Camille invites your input–the next time you stop by for a Cheeseburger Deluxe!
