Investors help couple reopen Kingfisher
Staff reporter
Local residents have made a commitment to Marion's future by investing in a Marion landmark.
Jim and Tina Novak of Tampa recently purchased Kingfisher's Inn at Marion County Park & Lake.
A group of investors from the Marion area provided funds to assist the Novaks in opening the restaurant.
Investors are Don and Pam Bredemeier; Marlin and Debbie Buchholz; Mitch, Greg, and Linda Carlson; Charlie Dannenfelser; Linda Kannady; Kent and Alice Richmond; Bruce and Belinda Skiles; Jerry and Lois Smith; Brad and Jeanne Wildin; and Ty Zeiner.
"I've lived here for 20 years and have invested in various projects, some being local," said Lois Smith. "This is just another opportunity for us (she and husband Jerry) to invest in the community."
The investors understand this isn't a "get rich quick" type of investment but an investment in the community.
"This investment will promote Marion," said Linda Kannady.
The Novaks said having support from an investors' group made their decision easier to purchase the business.
"It is very encouraging," said Jim Novak, "that these people are in support of us."
Kingfisher's Inn closed in October 2004, and has sat idle since. The Novaks plan to reopen it as Kingfisher Steak House & Lounge.
The original Kingfisher's Inn opened more than 50 years ago, and became a local and regional landmark for its American and Italian foods.
"This has been a big dream of mine (to own and operate a restaurant)," said Tina Novak. She previously had worked 10 years at the former Rocking V restaurant at Herington, and a total of 20 years as a waitress and in management.
When liquor-by-the-drink was passed in Marion County, the Novaks knew the timing was right.
"We want to emphasize this is a steak house and lounge, not bar and grill," said Jim. "We want people to have a pleasant dining experience in a comfortable atmosphere."
Jim, who grew up in rural Marion County near Lincolnville, recalled eating at Kingfisher's as a child.
"Kingfisher's is an institution," Jim said. "This is one of the things people associate with Marion."
Smith agreed.
"When we moved to Marion, people told us about Kingfisher's," she said.
Grilled steaks will be the restaurant's specialty. The menu also will include grilled foods such as chicken, pork chops, fish, and hamburgers, and will try to please customers with a wide variety.
A premium dinner salad will be served with meals. Daily specials will be advertised and featured.
A featured hamburger will be the Warrior Burger, in recognition of Marion High School.
A children's menu also will be available.
A full-service bar will be offered with beer on tap and in bottles and cans, wine, and mixed drinks, but the emphasis is not to be a bar.
"There will be televisions in the lounge," said Jim, "but there won't be a jukebox or activities to encourage behavior associated with a bar."
The lounge area will be located in the southwest portion of the building. By removing a wait station and salad bar, additional seating will be available in the two dining areas.
Future plans include an outdoor beer garden that will allow patrons to sit outside and view the lake.
Some additional equipment will be purchased for the kitchen and pizza ovens will be sold.
Service will be the new business owners' focus.
"Customers will give a restaurant a second chance if the food is less than perfect," said Tina, "but not if the service is bad."
There will be 12 employees, full- and part-time, who will work at the restaurant.
"We want to find people who want to succeed and who want us to succeed," said Jim.
The employees will wear uniforms, be properly trained, and will know the employers' expectations.
Tina plans to attend free training offered by a vendor to assist in food presentation, service, menu pricing, and other information.
The Novaks and investors are excited about the new venture and appreciate the excitement within the community.
"The Marion community seems to be overwhelmed with excitement, said Jim.
Good news travels fast. Jim said his parents recently attended a family reunion out of the Marion area, and relatives knew the Novaks were considering buying the facility.
The Novaks hope to have the restaurant open and ready for business by the first week of December.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4 to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Hours may be extended in the summer and some holidays.
The restaurant will have a seating capacity of 120 people and already have a Christmas party booked.
Tina grew up in the Herington area and is the daughter of Cecil and Shirley Rock. She has three children — Jimmy Tiede Jr., 23, who is serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, Erin Tiede, 21, Abilene, and Christa Pretz, 15, Tampa.
Jim is the son of Bill and Dollye Novak of rural Lincolnville, and has a son Travis Novak, 13. The couple also has three grandchildren.
Tina will leave her job at Tampa State Bank to operate the restaurant full-time. Jim will continue to works as a supervisor manager at the McPherson office for McPherson and Harvey counties community corrections.
Jim formerly was a community corrections supervisor for the Eighth Judicial District.
