Customers, employees feel like family at Pablo's

For 26 years, Morin has gone the extra mile to make his customers – and employees – feel like family.

Jennifer Falbo of Crystal Lake, a server/manager, has worked at the restaurant for more than eight years.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for Paul,” she said, fighting back tears.

“I’m a recovering addict. I had a huge substance abuse problem. He should have fired me – numerous times,” she said.

“There was one time he looked at me and he told me he saw a lot of potential in me. That meant everything to me. Somebody believed in me and actually said it.”

Falbo, who celebrates her 43rd birthday Wednesday, said she has since pulled her life together.

“I have a great support team in my family here at the restaurant, as well as at home,” she said.

“I love my life. I’m healthy. I have great kids and grandkids. I’m married to a wonderful man,” she said.

“There are many women who have come here and become stronger,” Falbo said.

“We're a family. We love our jobs,” she added.

“I am blessed,” Morin said. “I’m just an average guy with extraordinary opportunities to help people out.”

The wall speaks for itself. Dozens of thank-you plaques from community groups and organizations sponsored by Pablo’s fill the length of the wall in the dining room.

The dining room decor is reminiscent of a sunny beach in Mexico – a nice change of pace from the dreary March weather outside.

“People come to restaurants to rest and revive their spirits,” said Morin, 52, of Lake in the Hills.

“When somebody comes in and they have a whole lot of troubles, especially in this economy, they need a little bit of an escape for an hour or two,” Morin said.

Some customers have been coming to the restaurant ever since it opened 26 years ago, “including a couple of people that were here opening night,” Morin said.