A LEGACY OF LOVE: a FATHER'S DAY REFLECTION ON SACRIFICE AND LOVE

Max Kenison, Larry Kenison, and Sam Andria Face Display

Father’s Day has always been special in our family, not because of grand gestures or perfect gifts, but because of the stories, sacrifices, and strength woven into the fabric of our lives. At the heart of Andria’s Steakhouse, and at the heart of our family, stands a legacy built by fathers who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and gave selflessly.

It all began with Sam Andria—a beloved father, a dreamer, and a man brave enough to risk it all. Long before the name Andria’s became synonymous with legendary steaks and unforgettable meals, Sam saw potential in a modest little farmhouse. Where others saw limitations, he saw opportunity. He poured his soul into creating something not just for himself, but for his family and for his dearest friends. Andria’s Steakhouse was never just a business to Sam—it was an extension of his love, his grit, and his hope for something lasting.

His daughter Maureen, the heart of the family, married a man named Larry Kenison. Larry did not just join the family; he became an essential part of the story. A man of quiet strength and boundless dedication, Larry made the difficult decision to sacrifice his own career path and lean fully into the family restaurant. He did not do it for recognition or reward. He did it for his love for Maureen, for Sam’s vision, and for the legacy they were building together.

Larry became more than a business partner; he became a pillar. He not only preserved Sam’s vision but expanded it by creating the manufacturing facility for Andria’s Steak Sauce and helping shape the steakhouse into what it is today. And through it all, he was a devoted father to their son, Max. He coached Max’s sports teams, balanced work and home with what seemed like impossible grace and always made time to show up—whether on the court, at the dinner table, or behind the scenes at the restaurant.

To me, Larry is not just my father-in-law. He is a father figure in every way that matters. His compassion, his consistency, and his reliability have shaped the way I live, the way I parent, and the way I approach business. He leads with heart and steadiness, and I am endlessly grateful for his quiet wisdom and unwavering support.

Now, the legacy continues with my husband, Max Kenison. Watching Max as a father is one of the greatest privileges of my life. He carries not only the responsibility of running Andria’s Steakhouse, but the immense and tender duty of fatherhood with grace, strength, and humility. He is a nurturer, a provider, a cook, a caretaker, and a rock. His love fills our home whether it is through a perfectly grilled steak, a bedtime story, or the peaceful way he anchors us during uncertain times.

Max’s journey into fatherhood has been anything but simple. After the passing of their father, he welcomed Kylee and Hunter into his heart without hesitation. His devotion to them, his steady presence, and his gentle spirit have helped heal deep wounds and forge a bond that is unbreakable. And when our daughter Mildred was born, Max stepped even further into his role, balancing all that life demands with a sense of peace that makes our family feel whole and safe.

His commitment to the community—his willingness to sacrifice time, sleep, and even personal dreams to carry forward what his grandfather Sam began in 1978 speaks volumes. What he does is more than running a steakhouse. It is a continuation of love, a daily honoring of legacy, and a living example of what true fatherhood looks like.

This Father’s Day, we do not only celebrate the fathers in our family. We celebrate the spirit of sacrifice and the strength of love that built Andria’s Steakhouse. From Sam’s fearless beginnings to Larry’s unwavering support, to Max’s compassionate leadership, our story is written by fathers who gave their all—not for applause, but for something far greater: family.

With love and gratitude,

Rebecca Kenison