Mac and cheese wasn’t on the menu when Silke Helm, owner of
Silkelicious Mac, was growing up in southern Germany, but the former dental hygienist and caterer at Eli Lilly’s North technology center loves how this most American dish gives her a canvas for such dolled-up creations as pizza mac with pepperoni and banana peppers and her signature German mac with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a pretzel. But a comfort food restaurant wasn’t always in the cards for this enterprising businesswoman who put aside her passions until her children were old enough that she could start a restaurant. Here, she reflects on the challenges and joys of bringing her customers the flavors of their childhood.
Died: Nov. 23
He made a living running Fort Wayne restaurants that employed thousands and fed thousands over four decades.
It was the disciplined side of Tom Casaburo Sr. s personality that made him a successful businessman, for years the face of The Casa Restaurant Group, now led by two of his sons.
Known as a perfectionist, Casaburo expected employees to provide exceptional customer service.
“He was exactly what a United States marine would be,” one of his sons, Jim Casaburo, said in November. “He was tough. He paid attention to detail.”
Casaburo opened his first restaurant, Casa D Angelo on Coldwater Road, with the late Jimmy D Angelo in 1977. D Angelo retired from the business in 1993 and sold his share to Casaburo and his wife, Sharon.