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Polson Back in the Restaurant Business

By Beacon Staff

POLSON – This city is back in the restaurant-liquor business after a recent decision by Polson City commissioners to resume vendor responsibilities at the Polson Golf Course.

Previous attempts to work with an individual vendor, most recently a contract with Don and Stephanie Clement as Papa Don’s, have resulted in a series of unsuccessful short-term arrangements that saw the business turnover at the end of each of the last four golf seasons.

The city owns the liquor license and is prevented by state statute to lease the operation, thus a series of management contracts – all different – that failed for myriad reasons.

City Manager Todd Crossett said the constant vendor turnover was costing the city $10,000 to $15,000 a year – let alone angering the golfing public who were meant to be served by the business.

Under the new arrangements approved by a 5-0 vote with Ward 1’s Ron Boyce abstaining because he felt his Driftwood Restaurant was in competition with the golf restaurant, an experienced full-time manager will be sought with a second employee slated to be cross-trained in the kitchen and as wait staff.

Other seasonal employees would be part-time.

The restaurant and bar would be focused on servicing golfers with the food and beverage manager reporting to Crossett and working with Golf Professional Roger Wallace.

“Our main focus is on the golfers,” said Crossett, additionally emphasizing that tweaks could be made in the system after a focus group and the Golf Board track how the new arrangement is proceeding.

“We can always adjust it,” he said. “It is never going to be 100 percent.”

There was some conversation about Crossett’s oversight of the business, which will feature a simple menu meant to be served quickly with an economically viable price.

“You’re going to make me accountable, so give me the leadership opportunity,” he said.