The Story Begins in 1974,
 when Wayne and Micky Overway were both employed at Ottawa Beach Inn. Wayne tended bar and Micky waited tables. Three years later, in 1978, they purchased the restaurant from the Fugleseths and Risseladas. At that time, Micky did all the hiring and training for the dining room. Wayne did the bartending, bookwork, and general management. They decided that food portions would be generous, the prices reasonable, and the service would be the best available. The main goal, however, was to develop a family atmosphere and a local restaurant that was a fun place to go.
The future looks bright at the Ottawa Beach Inn thanks to the foundation that was laid by Wayne and Micky. Their commitment and hard work made possible the success of Ottawa Beach Inn for the past 25 years.
Wayne and Micky have since retired and a lot of new things have happened. Wayne’s partners, Tim Overway and Russ Shilander, have taken control and have offered a lot of new and exciting improvements to continue what Wayne and Micky started. New menu choices, expanded beer and wine selection, expansion of outdoor barbeque, catering and updated decorating are just a few of the changes to meet our customers’ needs.
 Tim started at OBI in 1976 as a bus person and worked his way to becoming a partner and Kitchen Manager in 1982. As a partner, Tim then spent 20 years as Kitchen Manager. Quality and consistency of the food was an important part of his philosophy.
Now, you can see Tim out-front as General Manager of Ottawa Beach Inn. Taking after his father, Tim enjoys meeting the customers and focusing more on the service end of the restaurant. His wife, Emily, has maintained all the bookwork and payroll for the past 15 years while raising their three children – Jamie, Colton and Katie. This third generation of Overways is beginning their contributions at OBI.
 Russ Shilander started at Ottawa Beach Inn in 1992 as a cook. Gradually he began taking over responsibilities in the kitchen and became Kitchen Manager in 2000. He became a partner in 2001.
Russ and his kitchen staff have many years experience at OBI. They have very little turnover in kitchen help. Many of the cooks, prep cooks and dishwashers have worked at OBI for many years. This helps with the consistency of our food and being able to serve you quickly.
 Another area that many customers enjoy about OBI is our Sunday Outdoor Chicken Barbeque. Russ and his wife, Lisa, have been the driving force behind this awesome tradition. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. A portable tent with outdoor seating for 80 people allows a beautiful view of Lake Macatawa. All the food is cooked over charcoal by our staff.
With the changes in the food service industry and competition from the national chains, Ottawa Beach Inn is unique. This family run business has a long successful track record with a great customer base and a vision to continue into the future. OBI plans on being part of Holland’s lakeshore for many years to come.
(The following story appeared in the Flashes, May 2000)
A Restaurant for All Seasons and All Reasons
The Ottawa Beach Inn
No matter what the weather...sleet, squall or sunshine...you can enjoy the nautical decor and tasty sizzler steaks and lake perch at the Ottawa Beach Inn. Located just a 1/4 mile east of Holland State Park, overlooking Lake Macatawa on Ottawa Beach Road, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner year round.
The family-owned Ottawa Beach Inn menu, with its sandwiches, pizzas and wide selection of beer and wine, is a favorite for seafarers and landlubbers alike. The kids enjoy watching the aquarium while waiting for the Inn's "Comber Special."
 Later on this year while you're at the beach, you may smell the aroma of a barbecue. If so, you'll know that the Inn's outdoor chicken barbecue has returned. On Sundays and holidays throughout the summer, Ottawa Beach Inn kitchen sets up a grill outside, serving barbecued chicken, quarter pound hot dogs and quarter pound brats to go along with their potato salad and baked beans.
The Ottawa Beach Inn is located at 2155 Ottawa Beach Road. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Stop by today!
- Posted Wednesday, May 31, 2000 in the Flashes |
