New Operator for the Lodge?
 

I was in a bar today and heard that the Lodge property in West Alton had been sold to a new operator-- California family looking to re-establish roots here.

True, or just bar talk? Would love to see that spot open and thriving.

I would love to see the William Tell open again.

Amen to that! Really miss that place!

Dan

At this point just bar talk. You must have been there when I was

Apparently not yet actually sold
 

The Lodge is still listed on several real estate sites, e.g., Coldwell, as “Active.” But could be in negotiations and, if so, let's hope we can look forward to it re-opening as restaurant.

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/.../pid_45181772/

There has been a carpenter's work van there several times recently. However, no substantial activity.

Alan

Saw that, thanks, was wondering about the significance of that.

I overheard a converstaion last night....The place had some kind of plumbing issue which caused lots of damage. That's the work you see being done.

Sign still says “available “ 🤔

A friend in the area is an agent and keeps pushing the Lodge property on me. I’m looking for some investment property in the area. I don’t think based on our conversations there is anything in the works for it.

Drive by four days a week for work and have also seen the carpenter van out front. Local guy, can’t recall the name off hand but I’ve seen the van not far up toward the town line too. It would be great to have that place available as a restaurant again, it’s such a perfect halfway point between the bay and Ellacoya! Didn’t get to go when it was Smith Point, but I remember it was good as Woodland Tavern.

Lament for the William Tell….
 

….

I do believe every thread over the years about any new owners of this property includes someone - or multiple people - pining for the William Tell. Some tried the new restaurant at the time and commented something to the tune of “It was good but…it isn’t the Tell.” No, it wasn’t the Tell. Nor will it ever be the Tell again.

Don’t get me wrong - I loved the Tell. I was the FIRST employee they hired. And I worked there for years during summer and even had my wedding there in 2004 upstairs. Peter and Susie were awesome. And I still see Rene on occasion, who Susie was carrying in the early days. It was indeed one of the best ever in the Lakes Region…and for a long time.

My only complaint was that Peter and Susie retired and took that salad dressing recipe with them. I tried to find out the recipe, but few were told. The dressing was epic.

We loved The Lodge. Loved it.

Whoever buys the property and opens a dining establishment I wish them well and look forward to trying it.

Susan

The sign on the property now says “public auction “ too bad someone can’t make a go of this place!

The lodge Auction
 

I was fan of the Lodge, and very sorry to see it go; certainly reflects the difficulties COVID forced upon small businesses, particularly restaurants, as well as challenges of running a full-service restaurant, year-round, in the Lakes region.

It wil be interesting to see if the buyer is a restauranteur with a better idea, or a developer with mind to convert it to another commercial use, or tear it down for lot and land value. i suppose that gavel price will be the determinator.

I'm a bit surprised someone hasn't bought it and tried to recreate the dining experience that was long the norm at the Tell.

A savvy operator would contact the former owners and buy their recipes then seek to recreate again what was once so popular.

How hard would it be?

Auction Result?
 

"The sign on the property now says “public auction “ too bad someone can’t make a go of this place"

Anyone hear what happened at the auction?

Don’t know what happened at the auction but I’m also interested to find out.


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