By Sara Quam
As far as family businesses go, the Magnolia Steak House holds its own as a third generation takes over.
In March, the Dispanet tradition of serving well-reviewed meals will continue under the new ownership of Amy Dispanet VerSteeg, current manager.
Amy and her husband, Brad, are in the process of finalizing the purchase from Tim and Sue Dispanet. Tim and Sue, owners since 1972, said they decided to retire to enjoy a slower pace of life.
"I wanted to continue the family business," Amy said. "It’s a tradition and a challenge. You could say it's in my blood."
Ironically, Amy didn't expect to manage the business for long, let alone own it. "In high school, I was voted most likely not to return to Luverne," she said.
After getting degrees in English and women’s studies, her student loan payments necessitated the job that she thought was temporary.
When restaurant management got in her system she decided to stay.
Meanwhile, she has maintained connections to her degree by serving on the board of directors for the Southwest Crisis Center.
Other community involvements for Amy are the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Blandin Committee and the Grace Lutheran Church board.
Customers likely won't notice any changes in service or menu items. "Some of the staff has been with us since my grandpa ran it," Amy said.
What’s now known as the Magnolia Steak House was first a bar owned and operated in Magnolia by A.C. Dispanet starting in 1938. He broadened the business to include a steak house after nine years.
The business was passed on to Tim and Sue Dispanet in the 1970s and relocated in Luverne after a fire in 1988.