Porthole Inn near Lake Lemon getting a makeover and will reopen in February
Four Bloomington area businessmen who purchased the Porthole Inn are currently updating the kitchen and dining room areas before re-opening the restaurant and bar located on the south side of Lake Lemon.
Steve Birch, John Albertson, David Hays and Steve Dawson purchased the property at 8939 E. South Shore Drive, Unionville, in August, but just began renovations this year. The four already have Bloomington businesses and plan on hiring other people to operate the restaurant, which is expected to open in mid-February and be open for lunch and dinner six days a week.
"We've hired folks who have food service experience to run it," Birch said. Scott Bowles, who has years of food service experience, will be general manager, and Vesta Bloom will be bar manager. In all, 10-12 employees will be working at the restaurant.
The menu will be similar to what was previously offered, with catfish, steaks, pizza and stroms. They will be using the same recipes. Additions will include soups and salads and carryout beer, wine and liquor will be available. A new pizza oven will be able to bake up to 30 pizzas an hour, meaning less wait time for patrons.
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"We just built a little-over 100-foot boat dock for people to come in by boat," Birch said. The dock can hold about six boats.
Both dine-in and carryout will be available. Hours will be 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. The Porthole Inn will only be open on Mondays that are holidays, Birch said.
Music will continue at Porthole Inn
The Porthole Inn has long been a local music hangout at Lake Lemon, often showcasing local bands and musicians. That will continue, with Hoosier musician Rich Hardesty helping set up music bookings. Live music will continue on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Eventually, Birch said there may also be music on Thursdays.
For more information, check out the new Porthole Inn Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: New owners to reopen Porthole Inn near Lake Lemon in February
