RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH
The Lucky Gnome: A Hidden Gem for Great Food and Fun
Tucked away in a quiet corner of South Bend, The Lucky Gnome brings scratch-made comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere to the local dining scene. Born from a thriving catering business, the restaurant opened its doors earlier this year when an opportunity arose that owners Chris Helms and Jerry Paliga couldn’t pass up. The result is a cozy spot that blends flavorful meals with a sense of community and offers a place to connect over a great meal.
A Fortuitous Start
For Chris and Jerry, The Lucky Gnome was never part of the plan, at least not initially. Their business began as a catering operation in January 2024, quickly gaining a reputation for delicious, reliable service. By March, they had outgrown their Miami Street kitchen and needed a larger space to accommodate the catering. When a vacant restaurant space attached to The Clover Hotel became available, they jumped at the chance to expand.
“We initially came for the kitchen to support our catering,” Chris recalls. “But the space came with a restaurant, and we thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’” Jerry brought his expertise in the kitchen and Chris focused on creating a welcoming front-of-house experience. Their leap of faith gave South Bend a new dining destination with a playful name inspired by luck and good fortune.
Scratch-Made Delights
The Lucky Gnome stands out for its commitment to making as much as possible in-house. From pizza dough and sauce to nacho chips and cheese sauce, the restaurant is known for its scratch-made ingredients. The menu offers a range of comfort foods from Jerry’s
1983 family recipes, including Pizza, Italian Beef, and Chicken Dumplings. One standout dish is the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, “It’s been a favorite for decades, and we wanted to continue that tradition,” Chris says.
What sets The Lucky Gnome apart is the dining experience. “There aren’t many places around here where you can sit down with a pizza and a beer,” Chris points out. “We wanted to create a space where people can come in, relax, and enjoy good food in a welcoming atmosphere.”
Catering Success
While the restaurant is gaining fans, The Lucky Gnome’s catering business has quickly taken root in the community. They’re already a preferred caterer at Notre Dame, earning praise for their high-quality food and reliable service.
“Our catering side grew faster than we ever expected,” Chris shares. “It’s exciting to see how much people appreciate the quality and care we put into every order.”
A Space for Community
The Lucky Gnome’s space is designed for connection with its large dining room, family area, and bar. The restaurant features a stage for live music and karaoke, a free pool table, dart boards, and even a vintage phone booth that makes a great backdrop for photos. “We want this to be a place where
people can have fun, whether it’s a casual night out or a special event,”
Chris explains.
The team has big plans for the future, including regular live music, trivia nights, and karaoke. They’re also gearing up for their first New Year’s Eve party, a Roaring ‘20s-themed celebration complete with a DJ, appetizers, and a champagne toast. “It’s going to be a blast,” Chris promises.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any new restaurant, The Lucky Gnome has faced its share of challenges. Tucked inside The Clover Hotel and away from main roads, visibility has been an ongoing hurdle. “The hardest part has been getting people to know we’re here,” Chris admits. “But once they find us, they often say we’re a hidden gem—and we love hearing that.”
The team has also worked to balance the
demands of catering with the day-today operation of running a restaurant. Despite these challenges, The Lucky Gnome has quickly earned a loyal following, thanks to its scratch-made menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
As they settle into their new venture, Chris and Jerry are focusing on growth for the restaurant and the community it serves. From hosting private events to supporting the hotel’s larger venues, The Lucky Gnome is poised to become a local hub for tasty food and good times.
“We want to keep things simple, do them well, and create a place people want to return to,” Chris says. “Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a night out, or a special event, we want The Lucky Gnome to be the place they think of.”
Discover The Lucky Gnome for yourself and enjoy a dining experience that combines homemade comfort food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dash of good luck.
Visit The Lucky Gnome at:
52890 State Hwy 933,
South Bend, Indiana,
and stay up to date on their events via:
Facebook at: bit.ly/4iDVLGT
and Instagram @The_LuckyGnome.
Written by Eleni Owens / Photography by Gary Riggs Photography
