Ottertail bar, grill is a popular destination in the heart of lakes country

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Since opening its doors back in 2018, the Woodshed Bar and Grill has become a must stop destination for food and entertainment in the Ottertail area. 

Lisa and Eric VanWatermulen are hoping to continue that tradition of tasty eats, and a place for people to catch up with family and friends, as they take over ownership of the Ottertail restaurant and bar.

The VanWatermulen’s officially took over ownership from Marv and Cheryl Andersen on June 15 and hope to continue to build upon what the Andersen’s started when they opened the bar and grill three years ago.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the new customers,” said Lisa. “I’m also looking forward to being a part of the Ottertail community.”

Eric said they are not planning to make a lot of major changes at the Woodshed, other than a few tweaks here and there.

“We are just trying to keep it the way it is,” said Eric. “We are just gong to take what Marv and Cheryl built and make it grow.”

The new owners are planning to bring back a few popular specials, like the all you can eat walleye dinner on Monday nights, as well as keeping things like the prime rib specials on Friday and Saturday night, meat raffle, bingo and much more. 

Lisa has worked as a server and bartender at the Woodshed for the past year and knew the Andersens were thinking about selling the business should the right individual be found. When she asked about purchasing the business earlier this year, the two families got to work to find a deal that would work for both sides. 

“Marv was talking about retiring and we just came to him and asked (about purchasing the business),” said Lisa. “(It’s) a new family adventure.”

While Lisa will be the one running much of the day-to-day operations at the Woodshed, Eric will also be a part of the business when he is able. Currently he builds power lines as an operations manager in California, but spends quite a bit of time back home in Minnesota as well. 

The VanWatermulen’s have two children, Bristol, age 11 and Kash, age 9.  

The family also has unveiled a new website at www.woodshedbarandgrill.com and can also be found on Facebook.