Choo Choo McGoo's

Good morning everyone. It’s been a long while since a post was made. Today, our beloved train thats sat in front of Choo Choo McGoo’s and has been photographed literally 1000’s of times has a new home in Virginia. The new owners Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society plans on a complete restoration and putting back in service. Thanks to Martins Wrecker that was able to get it loaded up and ready for transport.

We hope all has been well with everyone. The Trine family miss you all!

Most of you know I haven’t been a big part of the business in recent years. In fact I all but stepped completely away leaving Melissa to handle the day to day and business operations . She not only survived but thrived, in spite of the many challenges of shut downs, unemployment, staffing issues and much more.

During the past several decades we have grew from a small 800 sq ft building that housed Kool Breeze Ice Cream & Pizza where we served 40 flavors of hand dipped ice cream and a great par-baked dough pizza to a 1500 sq ft full service full service restaurant.

Kool Breeze Cafe was a full service breakfast, lunch and dinner cafe at Apperson and Gano. There we took a small diner that was part of the north end neighborhood and turned it into part of the community. People from the Kokomo community and beyond traveled to dine with us. It was there we soon realized our guests wanted to see us on the grill, at the cash register or taking an order. We rarely disappointed.

We were there for 10 years until it was destroyed by arson in 2008. Kool Breeze Cafe was also where we became a staple in the community. Our kids, and grandkids grew up with them knowing our guests and the guests knowing them. It was a perfect match. The memories of seeing all three of our oldest grandkids as toddlers sitting down with customers and even eating some of their french fries is still hilarious to me. It was because they grew up thinking our guests were part of the family, and for good reason.

Over the following years after the fire we looked at several options and opportunities but for whatever reason didn’t think it was the right fit, location or concept. At one point we looked at creating a event center at our home. We already had an orchard and hundreds of Christmas Trees. We wanted to build an event barn to have weddings, Class Reunions, Barn Dances and such.

But then a long time business, Ducky’s Family restaurant was coming to a end about this same time. We talked with First Farmers Bank&Trust about buying Ducky’s and we could take the revenue from the restaurant and cash flow the farm market and event center idea. The banker agreed so a couple weeks later we ended up buying Ducky’s. I’ll never forget sitting with my best friend Jeff McCoy that day at the old coffee counter. I asked Jeff what he thought. He looked at me and said we’re going to start at the front door and tear the entire thing out. Every wall, every room was coming out and we were to start with a blank slate. Mind you Ducky’s had just been remodeled about 6 months earlier after being featured on Restaurants Impossible.

It took us about 4-5 months but on November 14 we were ready to rock. We opened and like so many new places, found ourselves overwhelmed, understaffed and over our heads. It took several months of getting things worked out to where we really began taking care of the business and the customers.

Over the next 10 years much has changed. The same little girls became mothers, making us the proud great grandparents of a set of twins along with two others. We met even more friends that truly are more like family. We have served literally hundred of thousands of meals over the past 30+ years. Having someone walk through the doors of your business and choosing to dine with you is very much an honor and very humbling.

Kokomo is known for its fast food restaurants. There needs to be a whole lot more Choo Choo McGoo’s and a whole lot less chain restaurants. (IMHO) The building located at 816 E Markland was built and first was a Henny Penny Chicken Restaurant. Then it was American Heritage, then Ducky’s. The last 10 years Choo Choo McGoo’s. It’s always been a place where a farmer wearing muddy boots could sit with a businessman wearing Goochi Loafers and both feel at home.

But there is the next chapter. On March 27th, McGoo’s will be permanently closing. That old building will continue to serve customers, hopefully every person who has walked through the doors will continue to do so.

Melissa and I want to thank our staff who has been a huge part of our lives. We want to thank the community and especially every single person who ever walked through our doors to help keep the lights on, and the OPEN sign glowing. I want to thank Jeff McCoy, now resting in heaven. Without him, I’m not sure how this would have all turned out. Most of all we want to thank our kids, Bobby and Amanda along with the grandkids, Hannah, Gracey, Paige, Kayleigh, Aydin, Aubrey, Alayna, Jackson and Layla for all the times we couldn’t walk away from the business to attend your birthday party, weekend away, or attend one of your school events. No more, I promise.

Thanks again for allowing us to be a small part of your life. Big corporations sell “Family Style”. Trust me, there’s BIG difference between family style and just FAMILY. Please continue to support local. We are the ones who support your sporting teams, donate and attend your fundraisers. We plan on dining more often at Windmill Grill. It’s the only time I get to see my niece Emily, while she’s working.

Dave&Melissa Trine

Winding Down the Weekend so let Choo Choo McGoo’s be your landing spot for the highest quality food and service in the area.

Today features include our Famous Pan Fried Chicken, just like Grandma made in and iron skillet. We also have our USDA Upper 2/3 Choice Handcut Ribeyes, Bay of Fundy Orange Glazed Salmon on a bed of Jasmine Rice, Pork Chop&Chicken Combo,
2pc Fish&Clams Combo.

Come see us today while you feeling like eating some real deal meal deals.

Start your Monday morning off with breakfast at McGoo’s. This morning we’re featuring Chocolate Chip Pancakes with eggs&meat, Kitchen Sink Skillet(👏👏), Breakfast Quesadilla, Greek 3-egg Omelettes and a Meat Lovers Covered Topped. Kids 10&Under eat FREE*off the special menu.

Step into Saturday Morning by stopping by McGoo’s for the best in food,service and value. Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits&Sausage Gravy, Sweet Cream Pancakes, 3-egg whipped Omelettes, Breakfast Bowls and all the other griddle favorites. Even homemade Cinnamon Rolls.

FInally Fryday!! All You Can Eat Fish, Orange Glazed Salmon, Caribbean Glazed Shrimp, USDA Upper 2/3 Choice Certified Black Angus Slow Roasted Prime Rib and handcut Rib-eye Steaks and so much MORE!! The best food, best service all in the most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo, that’s Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Kids 10&Under eat FREE* every Monday off their special menu. They can get breakfast lunch or dinner.

While the kids are digging in, parents will love our Homemade Chicken&Noodles served up with mashed potatoes and southern style green beans.

Today we’re also featuring a Double Decker Hoosier Hillbilly Burger, a 1/2lb hand pattied burger topped off with a 1/4lb of pulled pork, covered with cheddar cheese and finished off 2 pcs of bacon along with a couple of our hand battered onions rings and drizzled with BBQ Sauce.

Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Choo Choo McGoo’s delivery’s on quality food, great prices and super service, all in the most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo.

Fryday, FRYDAY!

All You Can Eat Fish hand battered to order, Baked Lemon Peppered Cod, USDA Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Ribeye&Shrimp, Shrimp&Clams Platter and so much more!

Come see us Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Senior Savings every Wednesday from open to close. And beginning March 1st if you happen to be in the ”Senior” class of 2024 you also get the same discount. Just show your server a school ID.

Our lunch specials are All U Can Eat Spagetti, Liver&Onions, Snake Bite Chicken Sandwich w/slaw, Cowboy Burger w/ FF and Patriotic Chicken Salad (grilled chicken-strawberries-blueberries) atop of Spinach&feta cheese.
Great food, great service, great prices, all in the most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo, that’s Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Save yourself some budget today by bringing the kids. Monday KIDS 10&Under eat FREE* off the special menu we have for them.

Every Monday we feature homemade Chicken&Noodles as our daily special. Today we’re also feathering Chicken Cobb Salad, Brisket Burger and Snake Bite Chicken Sandwiches. 🐔🐓

Great food, great service all in the most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo, that’s Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Choo Choo McGoo’s doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to chicken🐓. No we Bok the Bok. 🐔No one else serves Pan Fried Chicken like we do. Rolled in seasoned flour and fried in an iron skillet about the size of a 55 gallon drum. 🍗🍳

Our chicken breast fingers are dipped in a wet batter then hand rolled in breading before being individually deep fried to order. Served with two sides for only $12.50 That’s a deal to crow about!

Todays lunch also includes our fresh Bay to Table Salmon, grilled and glazed with orange-ginger and served with jasmine rice.

Melissa has smoked some brisket and pulled pork so try the BBQ combo Platter with Brisket-Pulled Pork&Chicken.

For the best quality in food and service all in the most comfortable hometown family atmosphere try us out today.

Frydays are always special. Come check us out.

Thursday’s the best day of the week. Heading toward the weekend knowing the hard work will be in your rear view mirror soon. It’s also time to head toward Choo Choo McGoo’s for the best in quality meal deals and service in a hometown atmosphere.

Try our chalkboard specials like our Fried Pork Chops, or Ham Steam with cheese potatoes. How about a Catfish Etouffee.(Look it up 😀-it’s the bomb!) . We’re also featuring a BBQ Trio that includes brisket, chicken and pulled pork.

Something for everyone, everyday that’s Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Today is Senior Day! That means you get an even better meal deal on already great prices! Beginning at 7am through closing.

Whether you want homemade Buttermilk Biscuits&Sausage Gravy made the old fashioned way, Sweet Cream Pancakes or a 3-egg omelette we have what you want for breakfast.

For lunch try a Handbreaded Tenderloin with hand battered onion rings or anyone of our 13 different hand pattied burgers like the Brisket BBQ Burger. We serve homemade soups everyday. We even have Liver&Onions on Wednesdays.

For dinner order up a USDA Certified Black Angus Rubeye hand cut to order, Or Bay of Fundy Salmon served on rice.

Everyday is special but Wednesday’s are incredible!

Come out between 6pm-8pm to meet your new Kokomo BOBKATS! Members of the team will be present to take photos or get an autograph. GOOO BobKats!

Finally Fryday here at McGoo’s and we have it going on! Tonight we are featuring Twin Tail Steamed Lobster, 2pc Filet of Catfish, Parmesan Crusted Cod Filets, Lobster Tail with Sea Scallops&Gulf Shrimp and our slow roasted in house USDA Certified Black Angus Prime Rib.

Every Fryday is All You Can Eat Po***ck, so for best sealicious Seafood in town, stop in and see us.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! It’s sunny&70 inside at McGoo’s. The kitchen is heated up with Baked Steak in the oven, in the fryer is Hand Battered Cod Fish Sandwich with FF&Slaw, Meatloaf on the steam table and fresh soups on the stove . Come in and get warmed up.

Bring your date for Valendines Dinner at Choo Choo McGoo’s. Tonight we have a very special menu with the best in beef and sealicious choices .

Certified Black Angus Prime Rib and handcut Rib-eye Steaks. Porterhouse Steaks 🥩that are 20oz plus in size. Fresh from the Bay of Fundy Salmon, Sea Scallops and Gulf Shrimp all on the menu tonight. Oh, Almost forgot about the Steamed Lobster!!🦞

We also have an Italian Combo 🍝that includes Homemade Lasagna, Spaghetti and Chicken Alfredo. Everyone who orders from the chalkboard tonight gets a FREE dessert.

Check out todays lunch specials. Todays Senior Day so that means an even greater value on already great priced meal deals.

Bring in your Valintine tonight starting at 4pm for special a special menu including Steamed Lobster, Prime Rib, Baked Cod and much more. {* tonight’s chalkboard menu that begins at 4pm isn’t included in Senior discounts promotion.}

Bring your Sweetie to eatie tomorrow evening. We’re featuring something for everyone.

Starting with USDA Certified Black Angus Prime Rib and handcut Ribeyes. 20oz Porterhouse Steaks and Sirloin&Gulf Shrimp.

Sealicious Seafood includes Bay of Fundy Plum Glazed Salmon, Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod. Twin Tail Steamed Lobster, Bay Scallops&Shrimp Combo.

We also have an Italian Combo that includes Homemade Lasagna-Spaghetti&Chicken Alfredo.

Every couple ordering off the chalkboard receives a FREE desert.

Make your plans now for Valendines evening. We will be featuring a special menu for the night.

Steamed Twin Tail Lobsters, Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod, Caribbean Shrimp-Scallop Combo, Italian Pasta Combo, Slow Roasted USDA Upper 2/3 Certified Black Angus Prime Rib and Sweet&Spicy Plum Glazed Grilled Salmon.

Before serving the best, you have to start with the best. Our product comes in the back door as the best we can buy, like our “boat to table” salmon and Black Angus Steaks, each handcut to order.

Lunch is served. Come try good homemade comfort food that will warm your heart and soul.

Fire & Ice today. Ice cold outside but the grills are all fired up and ready to work inside. Every Monday KIDS 10&Under eat free off their own special menu.((1 child per paying adult please . We had to start that policy when an entire day care center pulled in 😂)

We also have Homemad Chicken&Noodles, USDA Upper 2/3 Chooce Filet Mignon Strak Tips serced with sauteed mushrooms&onions and topped on a bed of jasminie rice.

We also serve 5 fresh made homemade soups. Get All You Can Eat and try one or try them all along with as many grilled cheese sandwiches you can chew down(NO CARRY BAGS). Today we have French Onions , Chili, Cheeseburger, Potato and Veggie.

Make your plans for Valentines Evening and watch out for our menu for that night later this afternoon . You won’t be disappointed!

Sunday we always feature Pan Fried Chicken but better get in quick today . We sell out fast and why wouldn’t we? Where else in Kokomo are you going to get bone in chicken floured and fried like your great grandma did?

Today we’re also featuring Steak Tips with Mushrooms & Onions on a bed of jasmine rice, All You Can Eat Fish and Bourbon Chicken & Chop Combo.

Before or after church, we’re your go to family friendly no-no wait zone place to dine.

Coffee is brewed and bacon is sizzling. Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are in the oven, Sausage Gravy is on the stove top, Sweet Cream Pancakes and Omelettes are on the griddle. Something for everyone at McGoo’s and it all gets started daily at 7am.

Saturdays are always special when it starts at McGoo’s .

Every Wednesday is Senior Day! That means even better deals on already great priced meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Come inside and warm up to anyone of our 5 fresh homemade soups. Try AYCE Spagetti for lunch or dinner. It comes with salad and garlic toast.

Try our “Sealicious” seafood. French Fried Clams, or hand battered or grilled shrimp and cod fish. Our Salmon is flown in fresh from the Bay of Fundy. It’s literally the best in the state!

Best food, best service all in most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo .

Tenderloin Tuesday and no better place to stop in and try a thick tasty hand breaded to order Tenderloin. Try one with hand battered onion rings. Here at McGoo’s we hand bread or batter everything except cheese curds and clams. (We tried them both but didn’t work out so great . 😝).

Every Tuesday is also Homemade Goulash that comes with a salad and garlic toast. We’re also featuring All U Can Eat Soup&Grilled Cheese. Try one or try them all. Today we have Chili, French Onion, Cheeseburger, Potato and Veggie.

Finally Fryday! Come in and get your hand battered Cod Fish Sandwich w/FF&Cole Slaw, or if your real hangry😝 order All You Can Eat Fish, each one fried to order.

Every Friday enjoy our fork tender baked steak. We’re also featuring homemade Soups:Potato, Cheeseburger, Veggie, French Onion and Chili. Order AUCE so you can try one or try them all. Comes with Grilled Cheese!

For the best food, best service all in the most comfortable atmosphere in Kokomo, that’s Choo Choo McGoo’s.

Lots of love and support being shown for Gabe. Come see us tonight as 20% of todays sales will help with offsetting some expenses for his family.

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