‘A family place on the lake’: Greg and Trish Beatty open Castaways Bar and Grill

By Sarah Greil

TOMAHAWK – For 18 years, owners Rick and Lynn Grube have made The Happy Snapper, 1315 S. Tomahawk Ave., a place where people can unwind after work or have a private party with a water view.

This year they decided it was time to sell and retire, so on April 30, they served their last patrons and turned ownership over to Greg and Trish Beatty.

Greg and Trish have longtime ties to the Northwoods.

Greg’s family has had a place in the area for about 40 years. They moved to the Tomahawk area last October from Pewaukee, Wis. Since all their children are now in college, they decided it was time to make their hunting cabin their permanent residence and move up north.

Before the move, Greg and a partner owned 5 Diamonds Infinity Field for 13 years before selling it in December. Prior to that, he owned his own construction company for eight years.

Trish worked for 20 years at the Wisconsin Athletic Club. After leaving there four years ago, she ran a bar and restaurant on Pewaukee Lake. She said it’s always been her dream to own a bar/restaurant up north.

Last year, around Fall Ride, Trish began working at The Happy Snapper. When Rick and Lynn decided to retire, they offered the business to Trish.

Greg and Trish had been busy doing a full remodeling of the bar and dining room areas before reopening on Wednesday, May 24 as Castaways Bar and Grill.

“We just want to be a family place on the lake,” Trish said.

Much is staying the same. The room with a water view will still be available for parties and groups and they have plans to redo the docks for patrons who come by boat. Most of the same staff will be continuing at Castaways.

Their new menu will be a mix of some of the old favorites, as well as new fresh ideas, including wraps and build-your-own burgers and chicken sandwiches. They will still be offering Friday night fish fry using the same recipe as before. It is also in the plans to offer Sunday breakfast.

For hours of operation, follow Castaways Bar and Grill on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/yc37td39.