Generosity Shines at This Must Be the Place

How often does a business — a restaurant no less — open with intentions to help the community?

In a difficult economy it is a tough enough mission to simply break even and stay afloat.

This is just one of many reasons was recently named the first-ever Business of the Year winner. The award was created to recognize a business for their ability and achievement in assisting the community and impacting Lemont in a positive way.

Co-owners Dan Farnesi and Bill Moffett opened This Must Be the Place in November 2008 with hopes of making it a great venue for fundraising and contributing positively to the Lemont community.  

As active members of the Lemont Lions, Farnesi said he and Moffett wanted “The Place” to “help as many people as possible" by providing a family-friendly place to come for food, drinks and music.

The Place has been used for everything from family parties to fundraisers and community assistance programs. They have hosted fundraisers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, autism awareness, Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Institute, Michael Becker Foundation for Duel Diagnosis (Addiction/ Depression), and St. Baldrick’s Day for childhood cancer treatment and research.

The Place has also hosted multiple fundraisers for my organization, Hope and Friendship, which have benefited the Zack Wilkens Van Fund, Cory Steck Fund and Ellie Cuiching Fund.

They have also hosted the Lemont Lions' Cabaret, the Lions' Chili Dinner and the Hope and Friendship Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and will hold their third annual golf outing June 27 to raise funds for cancer research.

On Tuesdays, This Must Be the Place donates 10 percent of their sales to registered causes. When a customer dines in on these days, they are invited to tell their server or bartender which cause they wish to benefit. They also offer the opportunity for patrons to assist the community by reserving a prime spot for a collection bin for the Lemont Food Pantries.

The concept of “paying it forward” appears to be alive and well at This Must Be the Place.

When asked if he is accomplishing what he set out to achieve, Farnesi said he is happy with what he and Moffett have had done so far but hopes to open the door for even more opportunities to help more people.

What has drawn attention to This Must Be the Place and earned them the Business of the Year award is the selfless manner in which they assist others.

When you are a business owner, there are risks you take and risks you avoid. Like the risk Farnesi and Moffett took in opening their door to “Teen Open Mic Competitions." Though the event doesn't bring in revenue, they jumped at the opportunity to encourage young musicians to grow, learn and gain valuable experience.

Both owners are music aficionados and have a desire to share that passion and showcase it. The Teen Open Mic Competition is just one of the formats they have created for musicians. Above the restaurant is a studio for music lessons and recording opportunities.

In addition to the live music enjoyed by patrons every Friday and Saturday, The Place holds "Big Band Sundays" and Open Mic Night on Wednesdays. They are also launching free “Thursday Night Live Sessions” in the recording studio.

What a mark being made in Lemont. During this time when it is very difficult to make a buck, it is absolutely commendable to find a business whose goal is to make a positive contribution in this corner of the world. This Must Be the Place has been successfully doing that one fundraiser, one hopeful musician and one repeat customer at a time. 

This Must Be the Place is located at 206 Main St. For more information, visit www.BeThePlace.com.