Inn is a family venture
Eckhoffs have run restaurant since September
Published Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Assuming ownership of a restaurant in Ottertail involved a smooth transition for Eckhoff family members who had worked there for the previous owners. Jim and Beth Eckhoff purchased the restaurant and adjoining bar and lounge from Tim and Ursula Nanson in September 2006.
Jim and Beth renamed the establishment Eckhoff’s Village Inn. The Nansons operated the restaurant and bar and lounge as The Local. Before that the establishment was owned by John and Elaine Carlson.
Beth Eckhoff worked 10 years and her daughter, Arica, worked five years for the previous owners. On weekdays Jim is on the road with another job. Arica works at the present establishment and helping out on a part-time basis is her sister, Alicia, who lives in Henning.
“I have a pretty good feel for customer wants and needs, since I had five years of previous experience here,” Arica Eckhoff said. “I also know many of our regular customers.”
On a weekday evening last week Arica and employee Laura Jacobs had the salad bar ready at 5 p.m. for the first wave of guests.
Jacobs is one of 11 full-time and part-time employees who work at Eckhoff’s Village Inn restaurant and lounge in Ottertail. Hours at the restaurant are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The bar and lounge is open daily until the regular closing time.
One addition made by the previous owners — Tim and Ursula Nanson — is especially appreciated by the Eckhoff family. That’s the outdoor deck that’s popular with customers.
“The deck is a real hit, especially on warm summer evenings,” Arica Eckhoff said.
Monday night is Burger Nite when hamburgers can be purchased for $1.50 each. Tuesday is Taco Nite. On Thursday there’s Bingo in the lounge coordinated by the Ottertail Rod and Gun Club. The Friday evening offerings include karoake and a meat raffle.
“We want people to come here and have a good time,” Beth Eckhoff said. “It’s up to us to provide good service in both the restaurant and lounge. That’s what we intend to do.”
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