The Circle of Life: Two Pinecrest Legends

There will be no riding off into the sunset for Wagons West owner Walter Muench. His 54-year journey has only days left, and the restaurant's impending demise weighs heavily on his shoulders.

Wagons West owner Walter Muench (2019)

Jack Tendrich stepped into his Heritage House clothing store on August 1st, ready to serve his customers like he's done for the past 55 years, only to succumb to his inevitable final moments.

[L-R] Manager Charles Merrill, Howard Tendrich and Jack Tendrich (2013)

Two titans of Pinecrest lore. Two very different endings. You could say one was a triumphant journey - the other, a sad self-fulfilling soon-to-be forced exit that might have been avoided. This article is a loving appreciation to two men who helped define our community.

Jack Tendrich (4/18/36 – 8/1/23) affectionately known as Mr. T, passed away unexpectedly at his store. Jack spent 32 years teaching PE at Ludlam Elementary, where he was a favorite amongst his students and peers. During his decades at Ludlam, Jack always waved at his former students and other locals who honked as they drove by and saw him on the PE field in his distinctive uniform of short shorts and knee-high socks. Jack also spent many years working alongside his family at Pinecrest’s Heritage House clothing store. Jack had a brutally honest personality and sense of humor, and he loved to needle people. He also loved to hear everyone's life stories. Jack's love for the gym started early and continued through his retirement. He continued to work out well into his 80s. He also loved Corvettes, German Shepherds, and the zoo.

You truly felt the love from Jack each time you saw him. He exuded goodwill after serving up a dose of truth in every conversation. In 2013, Jack said, “We get all kinds here and whether they spend a penny or a thousand dollars, you treat them the same and thank them.” Brother Howard Tendrich recalls, “Even for the last 18 months where mobility was difficult, Jack insisted in being at the store. He loved serving customers.”

Jack Tendrich with customers (2013)

Fittingly, Jack’s end came at Heritage House while he was talking at the familiar hatched-covered table. One minute he was there, and the next he was gone. “He went out exactly the way he wanted to go,” explained Howard. “He only wanted two things: for death not to hurt and for all his grandchildren to be at his funeral,” explained Howard. On August 4, Jack was surrounded by the entire family at Mount Nebo.

Wagons West exterior celebrates Christmas

Conversely, Wagons West remains alive, but I’d suggest you enjoy a good meal and have a conversation with Walter “Wally” Muench while it lasts. Wally has been wrestling with his ‘ride into the sunset’ for years now. His kids and I regularly suggest that he sell and enjoy his senior years. But he says, “I’ve seen what happens when you don’t work at what you love. I’m not ready for that.”

In the end, he won’t have a choice. The landlord, who is owed lots of back rent, has the right to shut Wagons West down and it is inevitable that that day will come soon. Sadly, Walter is likely to be led out, rather than walk out, of the restaurant he's lovingly built. It is a case of “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em” and Wally seems to have misplayed his hands.

Wagons West employees Freeman Williams and Vivian Schroder

30-year waitress Vivian Schroder and 20+ year head chef Freeman Williams understood the upcoming risk and served their last meal at Wagons West on August 4th. They departed for Orlando, and with them went a lot of Wagons West history, and heartfelt tears. Wally joked, “I think I may need to go back to being a line cook as we downsize. I will miss them terribly.”

Wally keeps hoping. He has plenty of very loyal customers, but that likely won’t help. “Some of my customers are well off and could buy the restaurant,” explains Muench. “But the conversations always end the same way when they say ‘They don’t want that kind of responsibility.’” Walter is beyond sad that this is way he’s likely to go. His kids, who are in NY and LA, remind him that most places don’t last this long and that the staff, patrons and friends should celebrate his career.

2016 Impromptu Wagons West Staff Photo

“I want to thank my customers for coming…right down to the very last one that leaves the store,” gushes Muench. “I’m already resigned that I can’t do it on my own. I need help and it is just sad that I am where I am.”

UPDATE: Wally shuttered Wagons West on October 20. No matter the reason, it was a sad day for Pinecrest and all the people that passed through the doors over their 43 years in that location.