MT HOOD PERSONALITY

A Friend in the Community

Meet John Lazarides of The Zigzag

The Zigzag. Here in the Villages of Mt Hood it could mean a couple things. It certainly could mean the Zigzag River, but when the phrase is mentioned, it will most likely be used in regards to the Zigzag Inn.

The Zigzag is a local landmark known for its fabulous pizza, but also for its varied menu. Appetizers, fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, burgers, Italian dishes, home style traditional meals like home made meatloaf, pot roast, fish and chips, fine steaks and much more.  There is truly something on the menu for anyone.

The inn is owned, operated and cared for by John Lazarides. Prior to purchasing the old log inn, John worked at The Ringside in Portland, Oregon. With ambition and degrees in business management and human resources, John progressed from bus boy to general manager. This experience was preparing him to operate his own restaurant.

It was Love at First Sight

Asked how he happened to acquire the Zigzag Inn, he says that he “Fell into it”. John was asked to accompany a friend to the village of Zigzag to look at a restaurant that he was considering buying. John agreed to go, and as it went his friend decided that it wasn’t for him, but John saw something that appealed to him. He saw an historical log lodge that had a warmth and comfortable appeal to it. He saw a place that was a part of a small and close community. He saw a welcome place that would leave an impression in the minds of those that visit the area. He saw the opportunity that he had been waiting for. That was nine years ago.

When John took over he tried his best to keep as much the same as possible, including the staff. He still wanted the locals to feel welcome, and he recognized that he had a great group of caring, considerate and friendly people that came with the inn that would make visitors to the area feel welcome.

In his subtle improvements to the inn, he is mindful to protect its historical character. The inn was built in 1927 from hand cut logs by William “Bill” Lenz, a noted local builder from that era that is known for constructing many of the old log buildings that can be found around Mount Hood.

The inn has a lounge with a big screen TV as well as a basement party room for families that also includes a big screen TV, perfect for parties or sporting events. Such events give John a chance to offer menu specials as well as to try new things that could possibly be seen on the menu in the future.
 
John still has yet to move up to the villages but makes the fifty minute drive gladly. As for John’s future with the Zigzag Inn, he plans on moving to the mountain full time once his wife Kelly retires from her job. He knew that he fell in love with an old log inn, but didn’t know that he would fall in love with a community too.

When in the Villages of Mt Hood, please don’t forget to come in to the Zigzag Inn and experience a little of Mount Hood’s history and some of the area’s finest food.

Written by Gary Randall.
Photography by Gary Randall of  Precision Artists

 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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