The question of whether or not it was a good idea to have a restaurant as part of the rec center is no longer relevant. It is here and we have to deal with it one way or another. It is not truly an amenity in my opinion, but a business. The Candlewick Lake association should not be trying to run a restaurant. Some will argue Savannah Oaks is also a business but it is really more of an amenity.
Let’s look at the history of the Dockside. We had a fine lady (forgot her name) that handled the start-up well. She put it together and had a wonderful personality for that position. She put her all into it and the result? She left and the Dockside (originally Candlelight Café) was unable to attract enough business to be viable. Next came Tom James, who has extensive experience in the dining and catering business. He also gave it his all and was given outstanding employee awards here. The result was the same. Fine food, a good menu, and not nearly enough business. Next came Biantis. Again they tried their best and no luck.
It is no secret restaurants have a huge failure rate. This does not mean the operators didn’t go all out. It means the competition is fierce and the pie is only so big and can be cut into a limited number of slices. If one is not offering either very competitive pricing, a unique product, has built in traffic flow for exposure, has convenient parking, gets a good reputation, and gets repeat business, the die is cast. Failure is almost certain.
My opinion is our association should never let the grill become a drag again on our finances. It should be leased, be it on a seasonal basis or a full time operation by new lessees. Possibly simply a hamburger, hot dog, brats type summer business with ice cream and summer treats. Maybe a breakfast bar with coffee, sweet rolls, other breakfast selections and newspapers to read over coffee. Maybe a sandwich franchise would have an interest. What ever it is the association goal should be simply a break even situation. No drag on our finances and just a nice place to have a bite and shoot the breeze with friends if we wish.
If that can not be accomplished we should just leave it closed except for special association occasions. We gave it a shot. Cut our losses and move on.
My opinion only. Ken Dillenburg