It all started with one restaurant, the Hebron Grille, which originally opened its doors in 2013, and became our first restaurant in 2019. Two years later we acquired our second restaurant, Proof 124 Table and Tavern and a year after that we opened our third restaurant, the Hoosier Icehouse. Come 2023, we established our parent company Stronghold Restaurant Group, with the goal to continue to operate and develop exciting restaurant concepts that deliver exceptional dining experiences through excellent food, service, and atmospheres.
What inspired the creation of the group? Stronghold Restaurant Group was born from a simple yet powerful belief — that food has the power to bring people together. After successfully running Hebron Grille, we saw the potential to create multiple concepts rooted in community, hospitality, and the timeless joy of sharing a meal. Inspired by our Christian values and a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, we envisioned a restaurant group that would not only serve great food but also serve its people — guests, employees, and the local community.
What values and mission define Stronghold? Our mission is simple and direct:
“We Love Food. We Love People.”
This is not just a slogan — it’s the heartbeat of our organization. Every decision we make, every dish we serve, and every guest interaction is guided by this principle.
Our Values: We have built our culture around two key frameworks that shape how we lead, serve, and operate:
Generosity: We strive to be giving of our time, talent, and resources to each other and to the communities we serve.
Respect: We live by the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated.
Advancement: We seek continuous improvement, encouraging personal and professional growth in order to better serve our guests and communities.
Cooperation: We are stronger together, working as a team to achieve our mission.
Excellence in Service: Service is at the core of who we are. We aim to exceed expectations in every guest interaction.
Service Minded: Always eager to serve and support our guests and fellow team members.
Team Oriented: Recognize that success is built on collaboration.
Results Driven: We take ownership of our performance and always strive for improvement.
Engaged Fully: We are all-in. We show up, we contribute, and we give our best.
New Ideas (Innovative): We embrace creativity and innovation within the structure of our operations.
Genuine (Trustworthy): Integrity is non-negotiable. We are honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
Thoughtful and Respectful: We listen first, act with care, and treat everyone with dignity.Helpful: We mentor, encourage, and invest in the development of those around us.
These values combine to create a culture that prioritizes not only operational excellence but also a spirit of care, respect, and community.