New Owners and New Look at R-Haus

The R-Haus (2140 Rogue River Hwy), one of the longest-running restaurants in the Rogue Valley, has some new owners who are bringing new energy and life to the establishment. Chris and Virginia Oddo both have extensive restaurant experience, and they met in southern California 18 years ago when they worked for a large country bar. They moved to the Rogue Valley six years ago.
When the oppor-tunity present-ed itself to buy the R-Haus, the Oddos couldn't pass it up. With its large dining room overlooking views of the Rogue River and the expansive, landscaped grounds, the R-Haus has an ambiance that has attracted diners from all over the Rogue Valley since the 1930s and 1940s, when it was the Lacota Lodge, a fishermen's paradise. It was totally remodeled in 1972, when it became a restaurant.
The Oddos have again remodeled the R-Haus. "The dining room is still family-style dining with a warm local feeling," Chris said. "The upstairs, though, has been converted into a full-service sports bar, with pool table, jukebox, arcade games and TV sets to watch sports events."
There are changes in the restaurant also. "We have gone from a fine dining establishment to casual family dining where the kids want to come, too," Virginia said. "Nothing on our menu is over $20. We know that times are tough, and financially people are struggling. We wanted to make sure a family of four could come out and have dinner and not break the bank."
The cuisine is American food, from a 10 oz. cut of prime rib dinner to pasta dishes, seafood, burgers, salads and more. There is also a full kids menu, and a Sunday Brunch from 9am-2pm.
"On Easter Sunday, April 20, we will have three seating times for Brunch," Chris said. "At the beginning of each one, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the back lawn for kids 11 and under. And for Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), we'll be doing chihuahua races on the back lawn."
The Oddos are also into supporting local businesses and partnering with local charities, especially cancer-related issues. "Having lost a grandfather and a daughter to cancer, these organizations are dear to our hearts," Virginia said. "We also participate in fundraisers for local items such as the Fairgrounds, horse races, Soroptomists, Boys & Girls club and the local food bank."
For more info, the phone number is 541-474-3335.

Changes at Gillaspie Hair Design

At full-service salon Gillaspie Hair Design (220 SE 7th), owners Ron and Kathy Gillaspie have been joined by their son Damion Perez.
"We are a family owned and operated salon," Ron said. "Damion is an internationally-trained stylist and has traveled extensively to keep up with the latest trends. We moved from southern California in 2003 and opened a salon in Washington State. We visited southern Oregon and fell in love with the people of Grants Pass and the climate. In 2005 we moved here and opened a salon."
Ron and Kathy have both been licensed since 1996. "We love to do hair and serve the community," Kathy said. "We are committed to listening to our clients' needs and provide the best experience for them. Hairstylists Vicky and Rori are also here to enhance your salon experience. Between the five of us, we have over 50 years experience in hair styling. We also serve Rogue Roasters Coffee to our clients and cater to the individual's needs."
Gillaspie Hair Design is also committed to ongoing education. "It's important for both the salon and the next generation of stylists," Ron said. "We are motivated to keep abreast of emerging techniques and time-honored skills that fuel the desire to continuously perfect the craft."
The salon is also involved in the community. Ron is an instructor at the Youth Authority, helping inmates learn the trade of barbering. They also work with many local nonprofit organizations.
To arrange for an appointment, call 541-476-2954. The website is www.gillaspiehair.com.