It wasn't always smooth sailing, but for 20 years Windjammers has stayed the course

Windjammers owner Kim Seckendor, holding scissors, cuts the ribbon celebrating 20-years in business..Also on hand, City Councilor Jim Gray, left, Mayor Elaine Lauterborn, orange jacket and chamber President Laura Ring, right of mayor. (Chamber photo)

ROCHESTER - Windjammers Seafood Restaurant celebrate 20 years in Rochester today, and owner Kim Seckendorf said she owes it all to her customers, including regulars who come in like clockwork to enjoy a good meal.

"We know what day it is by who's in our dining room," said Seckendorf moments before she did a ribbon cutting with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce that included chamber staff, city officials and restaurant staff, many of whom have been working at the downtown eatery for a long time.

"This is a real milestone," she said. "We've had our ups and downs over the years, but its very gratifying to be here now."

Seckendorf said she wasn't that involved when the restaurant began two decades ago, but when her husband, Howard, died in 2009 she gradually took over the reins of management.

Seckendorf, who also co-owns Granite Steak and Grill with Patrick Gagnon, said they made it through the pandemic, but now both eateries are looking to hire more help.

"It's been a struggle," she said, "but to be here now is also very gratifying."

She attributes Windjammers longtime success to its consistency in food quality, a welcoming staff and a loyal clientele.

"We know them by name," she said.