A Hoss's Steakhouse has been a Willaimsport mainstay for nearly a quarter of a century. Its family oriented and friendly atmosphere are what keep many coming back night after night. Its good meals at affordable prices is what makes it Ok to keep coming back.
The restaurant is built on the philosophy of the importance of family. That philosophy is also true for the employees, who have families at home as well, according to Fred Fuess, general manager.
"We offer a true friendly and family atmosphere. We are closed every major holiday so our employees can spend that time with their families. Today, there are not many restaurants that do that," Fuess said.
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SHAWNA TURNER/Sun-Gazette
The family-inviting Hoss's restaurant has seating for 325 and offers a truly friendly atmosphere.
Of the 60 employees that are employed locally, many stay for long periods of time and form a loyalty because they are treated like family, according to Fuess.
"I have been here for 17 years. There are some employees that have been here even longer than that," Fuess said.
The restaurant opened its doors in 1986 and has done well over the years, with the many varieties of sirloin steaks being a big hit, according to Fuess.
Seeking to fill the gap between fast food and full-service restaurants, Hoss's specializes in cooked-to-order steaks, chicken and seafood, offering a varied menu and catering to the family trade, according to the business.
There is seating for 325 in the restaurant, and even more state wide.
Aside from the Williamsport location, there are 35 other locations in the state with two more in West Virginia. The city's restaurant was the 13th chain opened.
In line with family and community, the restaurant also offers Community Night, which are fundraising opportunities for groups, schools and service organizations, according to Fuess.
"Community night is great. It is a free and easy fundraising program that we have set up for any group - schools, churches, different school groups, service clubs in town like Kiwanis and so on and any group that wants to raise funds," Fuess said.
The way the program works is nothing needs to be sold. Interested individuals just contact the restaurant and they set up the day and give the group tickets to distribute out to people. Tickets holders bring the tickets to Hoss's and order food on the specified day on the ticket and 20 percent of the money made on those ticketed sales, goes to the group, according to Fuess.
"What's new about the program is if they group reaches $1,200 in sales, they get 25 percent of the sales. It is good to be in a position to help," Fuess said.
The restaurant has been doing community night for about four or five years now. On an average, the restaurant gives out $4,000 to $5,000 per month under the program, according to Fuess.
Some reasons for the businesses success are the quality meals at low prices, waiting time is minimal if anything and the customer service, according to Fuess.
Some of the customers are regulars that have been coming for years and the employees know them by name and enjoy seeing them from day to day. That is one aspect of the customer service that the guests enjoy, according to Fuess.
Menus, online applications, gift cards, location information as well as many other things may be found on the restaurants Webs site at www.hosss.com.
The restaurant may also be contacted at 326-0838.
Those interested in visiting the restaurant may do so 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday.
