Some of you may remember the Red Barn Restaurant, a Racine landmark for those of us that grew up there. Built, owned and operated by my parents, Gene and Carol Spolar, in 1969.
The Spolar family, including myself, Tim, and Toby enjoyed many happy years with the business thriving. Watching the patrons and employees of The Farm making memories in a place so near and dear to our hearts is something we are all so proud to be a part of. It was because of the greatly prepared food, fun and friendly service from all of you that worked there the restaurant was so successful. And oh, did we have fun! You all know who you are, and we thank you!
In 1983, Gene and Carol left the confines of being a Red Barn Inc. Franchisee and cleverly formed the iconic and independent “The Farm Family Restaurant”. Gene and Carol remodeled the interior to what it is today. They broadened and designed their own menu of uniquely flavored burgers and chicken and started producing “The Farms” famous frozen custard in an assortment of flavors.
Our dad, Gene Spolar, was always running some kind of creative promotional project, coming up with new menu items, and always involved the community in his creative endeavors. In the 70’s, The Farm was known as The Red Barn. They had live farm animals, pony rides, and then The Farm had hot air balloon rides. Of course, all of the baseball and softball teams were sponsored by The Red Barn and The Farm. Most were coached by Gene “Skin” and many other parents.
In 22 years, Gene and Carol had accomplished so much. They had a thriving business, raised a family, met so many amazing people, and they were close with their community. It was hard to imagine them giving up what was such a fulfilling part of their life. My brothers and I were upset to hear they were selling the business, but we recognized how much time and effort our parents were really putting into The Farm. Mom was working 7 days a week, sometimes 12 hours a day. Dad would work in the mornings until after the “lunch rush” and spend his afternoons pursuing his passion of coaching youth and high school baseball and football. Mom had dreams of pursuing a career in healthcare and decided to become a registered nurse.
On November 12th, 1991 an agreement was made. The name, brand, concept, methods and menu, equipment, and resources were sold to an eager and driven new business owner. Gene and Carol sold the business and gave occupancy using a “triple net” lease with an option to eventually buy, he never did. My parents said goodbye to the challenges of running a vibrant and successful restaurant and started a new chapter. And while they were wrapped up in their new adventures, they never sold the property and continue to hold onto the land and building they built to this day.
The new operator embraced the opportunity to own his own restaurant and he did so until February 2020. He maintained a wonderful following of customers and fantastic food. Like my parents, he and his wife worked tirelessly running a successful restaurant and they have decided to move on. We wish them the best and we hope they have a wonderful retirement!
Over the next 29 years after selling the business, Carol excelled at her nursing profession. She was an excellent care-giver, as I am sure patrons of The Farm can agree with. She was well liked, loved and respected among her colleagues, friends, and patients. She loved her job and enjoyed bringing comfort to people who needed it most. Carol became the bread winner of the family and did so with such grace. She continues to be an amazing mother, loves her sons and their families the most! She was always a loving wife, and she made it possible for Gene to be “Skin”.
Skin used his free time as an opportunity to “give and enjoy” his time coaching young athletes all while inventing new ways of making money and helping his sons solve the world’s problems. Gene was a true entrepreneur, always ahead of his time, and like it or not, he was usually “right on” about his opinions and ideas.
Sadly, Skin passed away five years ago. For those of us that knew him well, it was a great loss to us all. He was one of the kindest, funniest, and genuinely interesting people I have ever known.
Carol is now retired, living happily, and still making new friends. She misses Skin so much, and it isn’t easy growing old without her best friend and true love. Just like every other challenge my mother has faced, she has handled this with strength and grace.
While we are truly saddened that The Farm is closed, we look forward to passing it on to an ambitious, creative, and resourceful restauranteur or business owner who can make their own memories to share with the community. The building and property are 50 years old. We hope there is a person out there who can see the potential and the spirit that this property offers.
