Dockside Bar & Grill at Tappan Lake will feature American cuisine at lakeside location
TAPPAN ‒ The new Dockside Bar & Grill at Tappan Lake will be opening on Mother's Day weekend at the Tappan Marina.
The menu will feature classic American cuisine with a lot of seafood, fresh salads, fresh vegetables and sandwiches.
"We are planning to be incredibly busy and very excited," said Jayson Slusser, the restaurant's general manager.
Buehler's Fresh Foods will be operating the restaurant, leasing it from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), which owns the marina, located on U.S. 250 in Harrison County.
“Buehler’s has an outstanding reputation. We believe they will be a perfect fit to provide an excellent dining experience and exceed expectations for our valued guests,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director.
Conservancy district has rebuilt the marina
In recent years, the conservancy district has rebuilt the marina from the foundation up. The $6.5 million facility opened to the public in 2022. The restaurant is located on the main floor and includes a patio overlooking Tappan Lake.
"The atmosphere will be kind of a laid-back family casual," Jennifer Hudson, director of marketing for Buehler's, said of the restaurant. "We have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can picture the beautiful sunsets while you're eating dinner. There's going to be a lot of seating on the patio for the summer months."
More on marina: MWCD opens renovated marina as destination for Tappan Lake visitors
The restaurant can seat about 100 customers inside and another 100 on the patio. Slusser noted that there are 35 boat slips at the marina, so visitors can tie up their boats and walk up to the restaurant. It also has private area for special events which can seat about 50 people. It has already hosted two events this month.
There are plans to have live music during the summer months.
Slusser said his goal is to have 45 employees. He already has 12. Training will begin on May 5.
Manager a West Lafayette native with years of experience
Slusser brings years of experience in the restaurant business to the Dockside Bar & Grill at Tappan Lake. A native of West Lafayette, he is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. He has worked in 12 different states and has managed around 26 different restaurants, including nine Steak 'n Shakes, four Cracker Barrel restaurants and three Cooker restaurants in Columbus.
"This will be a nice relaxing one. I can sit out on the patio and do my work and play with the geese when they're out," said Slusser, who still lives in West Lafayette.
Buehler's got involved in operating the restaurant through Doug Wills, manager of the Dover store and chairman of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party.
"He had mentioned that the Muskingum Watershed was looking for someone to take over the lease of the restaurant and thought it would be a great fit for us because we already run 10 of our own restaurants. So, we pursued that and then were able to take it over," Hudson said.
When is Dockside Bar & Grill open?
The restaurant will be open on Mother's Day weekend from 10 to 3 on that Saturday and Sunday. After that, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are required for Mother's Day. To make reservations, call 740-269-1170.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dockside Bar & Grill at Tappan Lake ready to open Mother's Day weekend
