As someone who grew up on the lakes of Wisconsin, Sister Lakes’ Dan Scheid recognizes that the secret to success of running a waterfront restaurant lies beyond simply “location, location, location.”

Instead, it is about giving patrons good food, a friendly environment and service from people who care, amidst an unforgettable backdrop.

Through his new restaurant on the shore of Round Lake, Dockside Dan’s Bar and Grill has given residents and visitors of the lakeside community exactly that.

“We’re in the business of making memories,” Scheid said.

The restaurant, located on County Road 690, has exploded in popularity since opening in May, shortly before the start of Memorial Day weekend. The business has expanded its hours, opening at noon seven days a week, and has also installed a dock so that customers can visit the business straight from the lake on their boat.

The popularity has certainly breathed life into the old brick building the restaurant currently occupies, which Scheid purchased months ago after years of visiting the structure, wondering how he could best realize the potential of the lakeside property.

Scheid, who lives on Little Crooked Lake with his wife Terri and children Cameron and Kelly, spent several months transforming the structure into a home for his new business venture, repainting the exterior and roof while renovating the interior. With an aqua blue and sand yellow decor, the dining room and bar area reflect the dockside aspect of the restaurant’s name.

However, the outdoor patio area is where customers flock to during busy evenings, Scheid said.

“We want to give people that kind of open air environment, where they can dine while looking at the stars and feeling the breeze coming off the lake,” Scheid said.

All the atmosphere in the world can’t compensate for poor food, which is why Scheid and his kitchen staff have concentrated on delivering a simple menu of classics, including a gourmet cheeseburger and club sandwich, along with appetizers such as fried pickles along with a selection of salads.

Recently, the staff added grouper tacos, topped with the house’s pico de gallo and caper and dill aioli, to the regular menu, and also continue to come with regular dinner specials such as pulled pork sandwiches, Scheid said

“We are not just going keep adding things to the menu,” Scheid said. “Once we get it and it is right, we will put it on the menu and get the customers’ opinions on it.”

While enjoying the midst of a busy summer season, Scheid said he is continuing to eye future expansions and improvements to the structure. For now though, he and his staff want to continue to ensure his growing number of customers continue coming back, he said.

“The community rallied around us and in turn we want to give them an environment where they can feel free to bring the kids and break bread with their friends and neighbors,” he said.

For menu and other information, contact the restaurant at (269) 424-5434 or docksidedans.com.