By Laura Conti
Lake House Pub & Grille has reopened under new ownership. The storied 85-year-old Lake Bomoseen establishment will have a fresh look and a new menu.
BOMOSEEN—The storied 85-year-old Lake Bomoseen establishment relaunches with new owners, a fresh look, new menu and a local connection.
The new owners, comprised of an independent partnership of three local couples, acquired the establishment in December 2015 and immediately began renovations. “Our goal was to maximize the space, giving guests the opportunity to relax and truly enjoy the view,” said Khele Sparks, a member of the partnership.
Sparks and his wife Kate, who reside in Castleton (on Lake Bomoseen) with their four children, have a long history in the Vermont restaurant/hospitality industry and a personal connection to the restaurant itself. Kate Sparks worked at the Lake House Pub & Grille from high school through college. “The Lake House has always been a special place for us. We’re excited to continue its tradition as a mainstay on Lake Bomoseen. It’s a family thing, our children are already excited to work here someday,” she said.
Partners Dan and Kate Brown also have local roots and a long history with the restaurant. Dan grew up on Lake Bomoseen and Kate is a teacher in Fair Haven. “Each of us is deeply connected to the area and especially to the Lake House,” said Dan. “It was important for us to preserve what was great about the place, but also to maximize its one-of-a-kind location,” he continued.
Partners Steve and Lauren Bryant also bring a vast amount of Vermont hospitality experience to the table through a variety of area enterprises. Lauren Bryant was the driving force behind the restaurant’s new interior design, giving it a serene nautical theme.
After a brief closure, the change in ownership, and a new remodel and a menu redesign, the Lake House Pub & Grille commenced a soft launch on Friday, May 13, 2016, and will move to full operating hours starting Friday, May 20, 2016. “We wanted to be open for the summer season, but we didn’t want to rush things. We’ll take everything in over the next few months and then continue to make improvements,” said Lauren Bryant.
The street level has been completely redesigned to improve the seating plan, add a large horseshoe shaped bar and ensure unobstructed views of the lake. The kitchen was moved from street level to the previously underutilized mid-level. The deck and multi-level patio seating remains intact, with all-new furnishings. Further renovations are planned to upgrade and maximize the entire property. Live entertainment will be offered on the deck during summer months and the docks will remain available for lake and boat access.
The Lake House Pub & Grille will be open year-round, serving dinner seven days per week and lunch during summer months and on weekends the remainder of the year. The menu offering is upscale pub-fare at reasonable prices with a large selection of draft and bottled beer, wine and specialty cocktails. A children’s menu is available.
The establishment currently employs 40 team members and continues to hire back-of-house staff. “We’re thrilled to be able to reestablish these jobs in the area. We’re excited about the team that we’ve assembled. And don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces when you visit,” said Khele Sparks.
The Lake House Pub & Grille is located at 3569 Route 30, North Bomoseen, Vt. For more information call 802-273-3000 or visit www.lakehousepubandgrille.com.
