Mortonite Troy Ummel knows that opening a business in this type of economic climate is a challenge.
“We opened up in a horrible recession,” Ummel said.
But, with the right ingredients and the proper atmosphere, Ummel said it was worth a shot. When he opened his newest Peoria restaurant, dubbed Connected, there was doubt among his peers.
“It’s ballsy,” he said. “And then to do it high end, they thought I was nuts.”
With a long history of experience in the restaurant business that extends to Florida, Ummel said he was confident in his knowledge to make the restaurant a worthwhile fine-dining establishment.
“In a place like Peoria, you have to have all the elements,” Ummel said. “People are very cautious of how they spend their money.”
Connected, 3218 N. Dries Lane, is far from an ordinary fine dining restaurant. The proof is in the atmosphere. The interior of the business boasts a convincing Italian atmosphere. Brick walls accentuate the Italian-style store fronts lined along the walls. To some, it may feel like they are eating outside.
Ummel said that every restaurant has to have something unique about it to draw customers. Otherwise, the experience is hard to remember, he said.
“Nowadays, you have to be clever,” he said. “Good food and good service — though important — just doesn’t cut it.”
That is why Ummel said he chose to focus on the atmosphere. It was something unique, but more importantly, the atmosphere separates Connected from other fine-dining establishments.
“So far, it’s working,” he said.
If building facades inside the restaurant were not enough, Ummel decided to install a 22-foot rock waterfall in the business to add to the atmosphere. It is the type of attraction that will add to the memorable atmosphere, he said.
“An attraction is very important,” Ummel said. “We don’t go to movies anymore unless there are good special effects.”
The waterfall is installed but not yet operational. Ummel said it will be fully operational in about three weeks. And, he is confident that it will be a hit.
“I believe in myself. I believe in my product,” he said.
