CASSOPOLIS — For the past four years, Danyelle Black has owned Lindy’s Restaurant, but throughout the eatery’s 40-year history, it has been passed down through several owners. During its 40th anniversary of this year, Black continues to operate the restaurant by preserving its original traditions and menu.

In 1979, Linda and Mike Rogers opened Lindy’s Restaurant, 57983 M-62, Cassopolis. After managing the restaurant for 16 years, Steve and Sue Pobuda bought the restaurant off the Rogers and continued managing the family friendly place for over 20 years.

Black worked under the Pobudas for six years as a waitress, while she went to school for nursing. Eventually Black started managing the restaurant alongside Sue.

One day, Sue approached Black and asked, ‘If she was interested in buying the place,’ which was an easy decision to make, Black said.

“We just kept pretty much everything the same,” Black said. “We added a couple items on the menu and did a couple updates to the building. Everything goes good how it is.”

Black said though the management has changed, customers in the area have remained loyal. One example she used was a customer named Eddie, who she named as one of the restaurant’s favorite patrons.

“He comes in almost every day,” she said. “If he doesn’t, we are calling and making sure that he is OK,” Black said.

Besides having local regulars, Black said people visiting the lakes in the summer also help keep the restaurant running. The same goes for the winter, she said. The snowmobilers who come to Cass County for the winter also will come and eat at Lindy’s.

While most areas of the restaurant have remained the same, Black showed off the restaurant’s back bar area called the Wetland, which was an addition eight years ago. Events such as private parties, class reunions, birthday parties and band performances have hung out in the Wetland.

Black contributes the eatery’s long success to the staff as well, who she said along with loyal customers helped Lindy’s win gold for the Best Restaurant in Cassopolis category in Leader Publication’s best of the best contest.

With the future on her mind, Black said she would like to keep Lindy’s Restaurant in the family.

“I would eventually like to pass it down to my 5-year-old daughter,” Black said. “I would love for her or one of my two sons to take over.”

Black, who was born and raised in Dowagiac loves recognizing faces from the community and supports the local schools and other organizations, such as softball teams.

“It’s all about the kids and the community,” Black said. “That’s what I love best about being from this area. When you do donations, and do sponsorships you know where [the money] is going.”

Black continues to make herself known as the owner of the restaurant by showing up to work every day and helping the staff with serving, while attending to the daily needs of the restaurant.

In September, Black is also planning on hosting a big 40th celebration for the community in order to honor the restaurant and its long history in Cassopolis.