New owners take over at Lakeside Inn

New owners recently took over at Lakeside Inn & Tavern, a business that operates in a building constructed more than 160 years ago in Wauconda.

The quaint building with its old-fashioned porch overlooking Main St. was originally built in 1847 as a stagecoach stop. Located walking distance from Bangs Lake, later served as the Grand Hotel, a destination for vacationers looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend. It was later turned into a restaurant and still carries the old-time charm.

Susan Poznan of Algonquin and Wauconda residents Merrie Farwick and Robyn Romer recently purchased Lakeside Inn from former owners Steve and Cheryl Wright of Libertyville who owned the establishment for about five years.

"We're bringing new life into it, but we're keeping the charm of the place and the atmosphere," Poznan said.

The new owners are also keeping many longtime favorite menu items, including raspberry iced tea made with real fruit and the Lakeside Fries - french fries topped with cheese and bacon.

The entrepreneurs will also keep other specials, including the prime rib served on Saturday nights and Friday Fish Fries.

The eatery features burgers that sell for about $7 and daily specials, including fresh fish dishes, that are never over $19.95, Poznan said. The average meal price is between $8 and $12, she said. Gourmet salads are another highlight.

The new owners plan on adding new items, including beer-battered onion rings and potato skins stuffed with their award-winning chili.

"Overall, the menu hasn't changed a lot," Poznan said, adding that many of the items go back more than five years when the business was known as O'Traina's.

The same chef, who has been at the Wauconda restaurant for 17 years, continues to man the kitchen. He hand cuts all the steaks on site, the owners said.

Farwick is also very familiar with the business as she has worked at Lakeside as a manager and server for the past three years.

Poznan has worked in the restaurant industry for years and once owned her own bakery and deli in St. Charles. She has worked with Romer in the catering and food service industry for the past 15 years.

Poznan said she remembers the first time she visited the restaurant about two years ago.

"I had such a good vibe. I said to Robin, 'if I ever owned a restaurant, it would be just like this,'" she said.

Poznan is friends with Farwick and the three joined to buy the business.