SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Business owners across South Bend are remembering Lou Holtz not just as a legendary coach, but as a man of the community who left a lasting mark on Michiana.
That includes South Bend Chocolate Company owner Mark Tarner, who says Holtz would stop in for their peanut butter cookies.
“Lou Holtz was a fabulous coach. He recruited wonderfully. He had wonderful players. They all just played together. Made it a wonderful experience for everybody,” longtime South Bend resident Paul Aldape said.
Pictures of Lou are proudly displayed on the walls of businesses across South Bend including spots he frequented during his time in the area.
Tony Simeri, owner of Joe's Tavern, whose family owned Simeri’s for 44 years said the coach visited the west side tavern a few times over the years.
“The love that people had for Notre Dame and everything that he did for Notre Dame went hand-in-hand,” Simeri said.
Simeri said the tavern has served South Bend’s west side for 44 years, and he still remembers the coach’s final visit, years after Holtz retired from University of Notre Dame.
“Somebody so significant, when they come into your local business it’s always a great pleasure,” Simeri said.
“You’re proud, and when they come in, it’s a very special event.”
Holtz’s presence also extends into businesses he never stepped foot in.
At Fiddler's Hearth, owner Terry Meehan keeps an autographed photo of the coach on display at his downtown pub.
“I was able to get this picture autographed for both my son Sean and my daughter Kate ‘best regards to Sean and Kate,’” Meehan said.
“That’s a beautiful thing about it when you think of Notre Dame football and people coming from here and far,” Meehan said.
The legend touched lives across South Bend, especially those who got to see him in action.
Fans who watched him coach say his passion showed clearly on the sidelines.
“Sometimes he would grab the guy by the face and talk to him, really get into it with him on the sidelines, and you say, ‘Oh Lou, ease up a little bit!” Aldape added.
Whether someone was personally close to Holtz or simply a fan in the stands, Holtz meant a great deal to those especially in South Bend.