If Cindy Meislahn knows anything, she knows the restaurant business.

Saturday, January 13, 2001

If Cindy Meislahn knows anything, she knows the restaurant business.

Meislahn, who recently took over ownership at the Sunset Grill with her fiance Ryan Guerra, has a long family history of restaurant ownership. Her grandparents ran Hill’s Steakhouse, and her mother owned the Hamburger Inn before running the Land O’ Lakes cafeteria with Meislahn.

&uot;It’s in the blood,&uot; she said.

Meislahn’s partner Guerra might not have been born into the industry, but he is excited about the restaurant, located in the Office II bar on South Broadway.

&uot;I don’t have any real restaurant experience, but I love cooking,&uot; he said. &uot;I have since I was a child.&uot;

The partners took ownership of the business on Jan. 1, and are currently revamping the menu and atmosphere, with the help of longtime cook Fern Cameron.

&uot;She’s been a big help to us,&uot; Meislahn said. &uot;She pretty much puts together the lunch specials every day.&uot;

Lunch offerings range from a $2.75 hamburger to a $5.95 steak sandwich basket. Dinner prices range from $5.95 to $7.50 and include a variety of chicken, steak, shrimp, and pork chop dishes.

With help from Cameron, the couple plans to expand the Sunset Grill’s culinary horizons, adding fish, ham steak and fried chicken to the menu.

&uot;The cooking channel is a big inspiration,&uot; Meislahn said.

She and Guerra watch shows like Emeril, The Melting Pot and The Best Of to get excited about cooking, and think about serving options. Right now, they are considering adding Mexican and pasta dishes to the dinner menu.

&uot;We’re happy to expand the items and offer a lot of items that weren’t available before,&uot; Guerra said.

The Sunset Grill is located in the Office II Bar at 1119 South Broadway in Albert Lea. Lunch is served Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is also open from 2 to 8 p.m. Sundays.