September 4, 2015 at 2:46 p.m.
Hodag Lanes to be revamped under new ownership
Hodag Lanes to be revamped under new ownership
This change took place Aug. 28 when Mike Kocourek officially purchased the facilities.
Orlikowski took over as manager at the start.
"So far it's going great. We've got a great staff," Orlikowski said, noting that most of the current staff is staying in their positions.
"We have a lot of work that we want to do," Orlikowski said. The work ranges from revamping the restaurant's menu to repaving the parking lot and erecting new signage, among other projects.
Kocourek is from Buffalo Grove, Ill., Orlikowski said. He recently purchased the bowling alley in Eagle River and also owns the racetrack there. In St. Germain he owns Elmer's Fun Park and the ice cream shop.
Kocourek is also involved in other businesses, as he is part of Mid Oak Investments out of Buffalo Grove, Ill., Orlikowski said.
"Mike and I plan on doing a lot of upgrades," Orlikowski reiterated.
The new menu is expected to be unveiled in mid to late September, Orlikowski said.
The hours at the Hodag Banquet facility will continue to be 3 p.m. until close, Tuesday through Saturday, but the Hodag Lanes hours have not been set yet, as the summer hours are still in effect. Orlikowski said patrons may stop in for the latest updates as he makes those decisions.
At the banquet facility, weddings will be occurring every weekend in September, Orlikowski said. The facility can host up to 400 people.
"We're doing quite well. We're going to be a little bit more aggressive in soliciting banquet, corporate meetings, all types of meetings. We also have the banquet room at the restaurant," Orlikowski said. "That can hold 75 people very comfortably."
Orlikowski said he wants to get involved with the chamber of commerce again, because he sees a real value to the community involvement.
"As you know, I was with the Days Inn and Suites for 17-plus years, and I think there's a lot of benefits being part of the chamber," Orlikowski said. "If you want the community to be part of your business, you really have to be part of the chamber. You know to help them out, share your opinions, and help the community grow and prosper."
Orlikowski also plans to become active in the Oneida County Tavern League, which is one of the best organizations in the state, he said.
"There's a lot of great people that are in the Tavern League in this town," Orlikowski said.
Another organization Orlikowski plans to stay involved with is the Rhinelander Ambassadors, which visits new businesses and welcomes them to the community.
"I'm familiar with the community ... I want to continue to work in the community and now I have the opportunity to do this," Orlikowski said.
His retirement lasted two months.
"We're going to make this the place to be. We've got the baseball fields out back. I want to see leagues out there seven nights a week. We've got four volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a playground for kids to use while their parents are playing baseball or volleyball," Orlikowski said. "We're going to keep all that open."
'I'm really excited about this, I think it's going to go places. I think it's something we can be proud of," Orlikowski said. "The community can be proud of a place to go with good food and a relaxing atmosphere."
Orlikowski noted it will take four to five months before all the planned changes are fully implemented, so patrons should keep stopping in to see what's new.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.