One of the Lakes Region's last true family-run operations, perched at the top of Ladd Hill in Belmont, is celebrating its 20th year in operation.

Joe Holiday's Top of the Town restaurant during the last 20 years, after its opening back in April of 1988, has taken that good ol' Lakes Region feel and hospitality, making it a central part of its appeal.

Owner Joe Polovick — also known as Joe Holiday when he is entertaining at the restaurant — said the "entertainment and music for all ages to get up and dance to," is really what brings people out.

Polovick, who was a long-standing musician before he opened the doors to the Top, has carried his love of music to his restaurant and on the weekends can be found acting as a one-man band, performing hits put out by all the great artists, from Frank Sinatra to Jimmy Buffett.

If the live entertainment is not enough, the fact that one does not have to look far to see a Polovick hard at work makes the atmosphere all the more welcoming.

On a busy Saturday night it is not uncommon to find Polovick's wife, Kathy, welcoming people in from behind the bar as she pours a drink and share a laugh or two with customers.

This family affair is not only limited to just a husband wife team. They have even managed to get their eldest son, Matt, involved, serving food and drinks and even giving his parents some time off on Mondays.

Like his father, Matt has even been known to take a turn at the microphone singing a few duets with his father.

"You get a kind of at home feeling here, that's comfortable. I [just really] like seeing the regular crowd and new faces," said Matt, adding he could not imagine a better job than working for his parents right here at the Top.

The Polovicks' daughter, Heather, helps out on occasions as well.

"It's a place where the customer is truly accommodated and made to feel right at home," explained Polovick.

In developing the business since its opening, Polovick said they seemed to have found a real knack for hosting private functions, from weddings and birthdays to company parties and everything in between.

Polovick said he particularly likes having these private groups at his place, not only because they all seem to love his entertainment but everyone is there to have a good time, which makes it fun for everyone.

Over the years thee cuisine has really made this local place a real hidden gem, particularly when it comes to their fresh seafood and signature prime rib.

Polovick said his personal favorite on the menu is the seafood, particularly the Alaskan king crab and coconut haddock.

"Nobody else has that. They're a Joe Holiday special," said Polovick.

"The haddock came about because I didn't know how to do coconut shrimp," explained Polovick with a laugh, who not only developed many of the savory items served, but has been known to slave over the dishes from time to time.

Polovick said that what has really kept his family in the restaurant business for the past 20 years was he and his wife's love of people and all the wonderful ones they have meet over the years at their restaurant who have become much like family.

After 20 years in the business, Polovick said, "I [still] look forward to entertaining on Friday and Saturday nights."

Though it goes without saying, like anyone else in the working work, he enjoys his day off.

ALAN MACRAE/FOR THE CITIZEN JOE AND KATHY Polovick stand in the dining room of their Top of the Town restaurant in Belmont. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the restaurant. Click here to view Foster's prints for sale