Frank ‘N Stein in Byron celebrates 40 years in business

Frank ‘N Stein Restaurant & Lounge in Byron is the kind of place where everyone knows your name, and you can order special requests no longer on the menu.
The restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year, on Feb. 14, 2021.
“People were out the door,” owner Tracy Oswald said of the 40th anniversary. “We had all kinds of specials. We were busy.”
Tracy’s parents Frank, now deceased, and Twyla opened the restaurant on Feb. 14, 1981, in its current location on the Frontage Road off Highway 14 in Byron. Their three daughters Kim, Shelly and Tracy all pitched in at the restaurant.
“We all helped get it on its feet,” Tracy said. “Dad was the cook, mom was the hostess. I cooked and my sisters waitressed.”
Frank ‘N Stein is known for all-you-can-eat home cooked food. “Not your average, everyday fried food,” Tracy said. “We started with that and kept it going.”
“Everybody took us on like family,” she said. “Now we’re onto the fourth generation. Mom and dad’s friends, then their kids came and their kids came. We do average, hometown cooking. We’re a family restaurant.”
Some customers come two to three times a day, others two or three times a week. Customers feel comfortable coming by themselves, because they know staff will be chatty and put them at ease, Tracy Oswald said.
“I always try to get out and talk to people,” she said. “And the waitresses are so friendly and nice. All-in-all we’ve got a great crew. Everybody has been so good to us throughout the years, otherwise we wouldn’t be here.
“It’s nice that it’s work too, but it all goes together. It’s been a nice journey.”
Jody Marvin of Byron goes to Frank ‘N Stein two to three times a week, with her husband Steve. She met Steve at the restaurant seven years ago.
“Their fish is amazing,” Marvin said of the restaurant. “We love their pizzas and we also love to go on burger night on Wednesdays.”
Mary Hickey, also of Byron, goes to Frank ‘N Stein’s three times a week. She said she enjoys weekend breakfast, chicken wings and pizza.
Frank ‘N Stein draws customers from Byron and beyond, with homey seating in the dining room and the bar. Popular orders are chicken wings, prime rib, burgers, and pizzas. Breakfast served on the weekend is also popular with the regulars.
The restaurant does a lot of take out, especially in the last year with the pandemic.
As for the future, Tracy Oswald says, “I like to think it will stay the same. I’ve been at it since the get go. I would like to think I’ll work a few more years.”
Mom Twyla is 76 but is still known for her special recipes, such as the broccoli and cauliflower salad. Sometimes customers place orders for special dishes no longer on the menu, and Tracy Oswald tries to have those dishes on reserve in the kitchen.
“We try to make people feel comfortable and important,” Tracy said. “And it’s fun to get to know the new people who come in, too.”
“You can see your friends and work too. It becomes a bond. It’s nice to have. If you need help with something you can bet someone will help you. People support you.”