HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The way for Boatwerks Restaurant to change hands has apparently been cleared.
In a special meeting last night ahead of the regularly-scheduled work-study session, the Holland City Council unanimously approved a measure that would waive the city’s right of first refusal on a parcel of land that the eatery located off of Lake Macatawa is using for its catering office. This clears the way for Grand Rapids-based Redwater Restaurant Group to purchase Boatwerks from LMC II for an undisclosed price.
Representatives of Redwater, which owns six restaurants and six golf courses with banquet facilities in the region, met with City Manager Keith Van Beek last week to discuss their vision for Boatwerks. In a letter to Van Beek that was attached to the meeting agenda, Managing Partner Steve Plakmayer and Chief Operating Officer Craig Smith said that, “After hearing your vision for the city’s lakeshore, it sounds progressive and it is something we would support without question. We agree with the vision and we are very pro-development for this area of the City of Holland…This letter represents our commitment to cooperate fully in making the city’s vision a reality when it is reasonably feasible and mutually beneficial…It is important for us to know that we will be allowed to continue to operate the facilities in the same way it is currently being operated by the Boatwerks team.”
In recommending the release and waiving the City’s right of first refusal for this property, Van Beek wrote to Council members, “The City of Holland supports the commitment Redwater Restaurant Group is making to this important location and operation in the city, and their reputation in the market.”
No details surrounding the acquisition of Boatwerks by Redwater Restaurant Group have been disclosed, including when the transaction would take place. Among the properties recently acquired by Redwater is the Ravines Golf Club just east of Saugatuck.
