Chico's owner remembered
A large picture of Dick Zornes hangs inside the office of Chico's, a longtime Moses Lake pizza restaurant. Zornes, the owner of the business, died Feb. 23.
MOSES LAKE - There's a special place at Chico's front counter where Mitchell Zornes stands to watch customers and employees.
After standing at another area behind the counter and closer to the door, Mitchell moved to his dad's former vantage point.
It's where Dick Zornes used to stand, drinking coffee, greeting customers and watching employees at the Moses Lake business, Mitchell said Tuesday.
Dick died Feb. 23 of natural causes. He was 80.
He was known for his leadership role in the third-generation family business his father, Mel Zornes, started.
Dick also served as a Grant County reserve deputy, county coroner and county commissioner.
Dick retired from the 53-year-old business about five or six years ago.
Today, his wife, MaryLou, continues to check on operations.
Mitchell describes the operation as a family business he's trying to maintain and keep to the same standard.
He remembers asking his dad for a job at 18, after being let go from a furniture store before Christmas, because extra help wasn't needed.
At first, Dick said he didn't need more employees at Chico's. He later decided to bring Mitchell on to clean the ceilings and walls.
"I didn't think I would stay here, but it worked out that way," Mitchell said.
But Dick's life wasn't always about the restaurant.
Before arriving in Moses Lake, Dick served 20 years in the Army. Both of his sons, Mitchell and Jeffrey, also spent 20 years in the Army.
Dick's Army service included working with a bomb disposal unit with the Secret Service.
When he came to Moses Lake, there were local departments without bomb technicians. Dick was called to check areas for explosives.
He brought his qualities as a military officer to the business.
As an officer, he had to set the example of not lying, cheating or stealing, or tolerating others who do, Mitchell said.
"He was always an officer and a gentleman," Mitchell recalled. "He had that about him, I suppose."
His father never wavered in his decisions.
"He weighed the pros and cons of an issue, made a decision and stuck with it," Mitchell said. "They were big shoes to fill."
No services are planned.