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Thumper Pond targets locals
Published 8:19am Tuesday, July 27, 2010From an economic standpoint, as part of a half-million dollar expansion, Thumper Pond in Ottertail knows that in order to survive it needs to attract customers from Otter Tail County as well as tourists from other parts of Minnesota and from other states. An example is attracting local people to the new Willy T’s Tavern and Grill that opened July 3.
“We have our menu selections priced to accommodate the budgets of local customers,” said Food and Beverage Director Dave Penczek. “Willy T’s Tavern and Grill isn’t just for tourists during the summer months. We will work hard to attract customers from the immediate area during the fall, winter and spring months.”
This spring Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, widely known for its outstanding golf course, was purchased by Madison Hospitality Group of Brainerd. Employees such as Penczek have expressed confidence in the new owners that include Bill Schultz, vice president of Madison Hospitality Group.
A resurgence at Thumper Pond is pledged by Schultz, Penczek and the close to 150 other employees who work at the complex in Ottertail. Their optimism is in contrast to two years ago when foreclosure proceedings were filed against the previous owners.
And while the most significant change is the past few months has been renovation of the restaurant and tavern, improvements also are planned for the golf course and water park. Madison Hospitality Group is running an aggressive marketing campaign to attract customers.
Penczek started his job as food and beverage director at Thumper Pond earlier this year. He’s a Chicago native whose wife, Brenda, hails from Pelican Rapids. Penczek, who formerly worked in the restaurant business in Las Vegas, oversaw construction of the new Willy T’s Tavern and Grill that took three months to complete. Previously, the dining area was called the Red Pine Restaurant and the bar upstairs was referred to as the Eagle View Lounge.
“Here at the restaurant we’re very serious about our Minnesota roots,” said Penczek. “Each day we’ll be offering creamed-based wild rice soup.”
Also on the menu is walleye prepared different ways and served as pan fried, blackened and as what Penczek calls “walleye sliders and slaw on the side.” For breakfast lovers, an option will be walleye benedict.
Hours at the new restaurant are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. As for the tavern, the hours run until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.
For those who want something light, Penczek offers burgers and sandwiches .
made form scratch, with Thumper Pond dipping sauce on the side. For those more hungry, the restaurant, in addition to walleye, will offer selections such as steaks and chops. Tator tots with seasoned sour cream will be another Thumper Pond specialty.
“The patio adjacent to the restaurant and tavern is a real hit,” said Penczek, “overlooking the 18h green. Perople really love dining outside this time of year.”
The atmosphere at the new tavern also is receiving rave reviews, said Penczek, with free popcorn and peanuts providing a special touch.
A bright future awaits both Thumper Pond and its guests, pledges Schuoltz and Madison Hospitality Group
