Lakeside bar, restaurant opens; chamber holds ribbon cutting

The Lakeside Convenient Store has been expanded to include an attached bar and restaurant. The bar and restaurant portion of the business officially opened Tuesday, April 14. Since opening, the business has remained busy serving patrons throughout the day. The Harrison County Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility, April 16.

“We have been very busy in getting the bar opened and ready,” said co-owner Kodi Brock. “We have been busy hiring staff, setting up equipment and bringing in products. Finally on Tuesday we were able to open the door for service with a fully supplied bar.”

Beginning at 11 a.m., the business experienced a steady flow of patrons that lasted through closing time at 9 p.m., Brock said. The bar offers specials and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with breakfast customers showing a preference for chicken and waffles. The facility also includes an indoor pool.

“I left early on Tuesday to be with my family. By the time I reached home and viewed the cameras at the bar, the place was packed with visitors,” Brock said.

The Lakeside Bar is open seven days a week, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m., with weekend hours extending to 10 p.m.

Chamber Executive Director Milo Baker commented on the facility and the progress made.

“We are very excited about the progress taking place at the Lakeside location,” Baker said. “We are happy that the Brocks decided to pursue this expanding venture. The chamber will support the efforts here, and we encourage everyone to patronize this establishment.”

The chamber’s second stop Thursday was Sally Buffalo Park at the Mark at the Park stage conference center, where concert organizer and manager Mark Puskarich was the guest speaker. He presented a film highlighting upcoming concert headliners and discussed booking performers.

“Most of our entertainers are from the Columbus, Canton, Pittsburgh and the Ohio Valley,” Puskarich said. “During the season we usually have one concert that targets a children’s audience. We will be doing this again this year.”

Puskarich said crowds usually number about 2,000, although attendance climbed to nearly 3,500 when Neil McCoy performed. He added that organizers also try to book entertainers who have appeared on the TV show “The Voice” and hope to do so again.

Puskarich said organizers also aim to include gospel performers and noted sponsorships are available through May 15.

The concert schedule includes performances beginning May 23 with Radio Tokyo, followed by events throughout the summer, including tribute bands, festivals and themed shows.

Following the presentation, Baker introduced business representatives, who provided updates on services. Highlights included six students being hired following the Harrison Central Transition Fair, the next business meeting scheduled Aug. 12 at the high school and Harrison County’s 250-year celebration set for July 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a car show, games, food and a parade, followed by a concert at 3:30 p.m. at Sally Buffalo Park and fireworks.

“As I always want to mention, the chamber remains excited about the way things along Route 250 north are developing, and with Dockside set to open soon, Harrison County is benefiting from new businesses,” Baker said. “We are happy to do our part in supporting these businesses and keeping them in the county.”