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 son, Tim Overway, has taken control and has 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.

Another area that many customers enjoy about OBI is our Sunday Outdoor Chicken Barbeque. 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.

 

A Restaurant for All Seasons and All ReasonsThe Ottawa Beach Inn- read the story that appeared in the Flashes, May 2000