Since 1985, Lunker’s has grown to employ 85 people.
The Edwardsburg retail anchor just east of the intersection of U.S. 12 and M-62 combines its status as one of the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor stores in the country with Angler’s Inn, a 235-seat restaurant arrayed around an aquarium that serves buffalo burgers, ostrich and alligator.
General Manager Kevin Claire shared the success story started by owners Dan and Fran Striz Nov. 4 with the Cass County Board of Commissioners.
Claire started in 1990. Four other employees enjoy more seniority.
“They started in what is now the village office,” Claire said.
“Recently, we’ve consolidated some things, which helped us a lot with personnel costs and made us a lot more efficient, I think. We’re probably the largest DNR licensing agent in Michigan that services non-residents” near the Indiana border and such urban areas as South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart.
Lunker’s the first weekend each March sponsors a fishing extravaganza with celebrity speakers.
Lunker’s has held a bass tournament for the past 26 years.
“The key to Lunker’s is our employees. Customer service is our key,” Claire said.
The 85 employees are distributed about half and half between the store and the restaurant.
“You’re really well-known around the state,” said Commissioner Robert Wagel, R-Wayne Township, whose brother-in-law patronizes Lunker’s from Flint.
Commissioner Johnie Rodebush, D-Howard Township, said for his birthday in August, his niece and nephew from Missouri took him there to eat. “They liked it so well, they came back in October for my wife’s birthday.”
Commissioner Ed Goodman, R-Silver Creek Township, wondered in light of a state report that hunting licenses dropped 15 percent, if Lunker’s promotes “kids getting involved in hunting.”
Claire, a duck hunter, said his business contributes to conservation clubs’ safety programs.
“Edwardsburg’s does a terrific job. The other thing, the state recently reduced age requirement. When I grew up, you had to be 12 to hunt small game and 14 to deer hunt. That changed a couple of years ago to 10 and 12.
As of next year, as long as a youth has had hunter safety, he will be able to buy a license and hunt, regardless of age, with stipulations, such as parent or guardian supervision.”
Claire assured Commissioner Annie File, R-Cassopolis, that Lunker’s trademark jungle sounds are back.
“It’s great to hear about a successful business in the county,” said Commissioner Ron Francis, R-Cassopolis, who serves on the county economic development board.
“The more people who get into the county for recreation or visiting,” Claire said, “it promotes the county. The more we all do that, we’re all in it together.”
In other Nov. 3 business, commissioners adopted a resolution supporting Cassopolis Family Clinic’s efforts to construct a new building.