In this video, John & Diane share their history, how their business evolved, their recipe to success and their passion for the trade.

Q&A with John Russo II

Q: What are your favorite dishes at Russo's?

All of them. Our steaks and our seafood are what we built our business on.

Q: When did you first become involved in the restaurant business?

I opened my first restaurant in 1971 in Yankton, S.D. We came down to visit my brother (Christopher) in Burnet in 1987 for Thanksgiving, and the weather was beautiful. In South Dakota, the lakes were already freezing, and that made it very easy for us to relocate (to the Highland Lakes). It was a very good incentive.

Q: What do you think it takes to become a successful restauranteur?

Hard work, dedication and you really have to enjoy it. You really have to like it. That's the No.1 thing. It's constantly challenging. You always have to come up with something new and make it good and wonderful every time.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

To keep moving right along. There's a lot of new development around us, and we have the premier location in the area. It's treated us very well, and we intend to keep it that way. I see no reason to do anything but improve.