A splendid transformation

We can’t wait to share what we learned about the “new” Pub ‘N Prime!

Last October, long-time St. Germain resident, Bob Ohde, took over the dining establishment. Pub ‘N Prime was his favorite place to eat. He did not want to see the restaurant disappear from St. Germain.

Bob then called his friend, Jon King, to establish a network and put systems into place. Jon is a food and restaurant connoisseur. He has helped start-up several restaurants.

Jon is from Rhinelander and said about St. Germain, “It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the place, either!”

The men became partners and former owner, Sue Wagner, stayed on to make sure the tradition and the quality of Pub ‘N Prime continued. Also playing an important role in transforming Pub ‘N Prime is Diane Brown who joined the business with Bob. Jon says, “Diane is a big part of what we do here on a day to day basis. The establishment would not be the same without her.”

Jon is the restaurant manager and Bob oversees the business operations.

“It’s the ‘Perfect Storm’ management team,” Jon summarized. “Sue is able to focus and mentor on her craft that she’s perfected over the last 35 years. Then there is an infusion of new energy and enthusiasm with Bob, Diane and myself coming into the front side.

“Bob and I overlap quite a bit and we are able to provide continuous coverage on policing the brand and making sure we are always providing a premium supper club experience in the restaurant.

“Then there is the absolutely fun, amazing time in the Tiki Bar. It creates that Margarita, vacation, home away from home (atmosphere). It’s such a neat experience!” said Jon as he was sitting in shirt sleeves in the outdoor, heated Tiki Bar on a frigid 5-degree day.

Jon feels their management formula is key to their future success. Instead of one individual shouldering all aspects of running a restaurant, the work is divided. Thus it alleviates just one person from shouldering all the responsibility.

“The four of us have been able to pull together and create a product that we believe is going to be the premier supper club in Northern Wisconsin. “We already have the best prime rib. Many, many from all over the Midwest say it’s the best in all of Wisconsin. We go far and wide to make sure we have the quality and the quantity that we need to maintain our brand,” he pointed out.

“The difference is we trim our prime rib and then serve it. When you purchase a 12-ounce prime rib, you are really receiving more like 20 ounces. We make sure every bite is edible. You can clean your plate.”

Coming into the restaurant business has been a natural progression for Jon. Both he and his wife are foodies and have traveled extensively, delving into a myriad of cuisines.

His keen interest and work with restaurant professionals morphed into a consuming desire to create professional standards at every level of the dining experience.

“You have to do this with all of the social graces of a cocktail lounge. People are bringing you the best part of their week and you have to reciprocate. You have to meet and exceed their expectations.

“That is what is so fun. You do get to see the best of people. You do get to see what they work for. They work for this time off. Time to relax and enjoy, to enjoy each other and sit at a table of excellence.

“And that’s what we are all about. That is the atmosphere we will continue to strive for and not stop until the last customer is satisfied.”

So what does the future hold for Pub ‘N Prime? Already there have been noticeable changes in the restaurant’s decor. Jon intimated that plans are forthcoming for expansion of the kitchen, first.

Though there is no established timeline, Pub ‘N Prime’s future may include a larger dining area, restrooms, and a larger Tiki Bar.

Jon’s love for St. Germain is filled with contagious enthusiasm. “You couldn’t invent a better community to be in. This is the “unicorn” location; this is the “unicorn” town. You couldn’t dream it; you couldn’t construct it any better. The people, oh my gosh, they don’t come any friendlier. You can’t find better people or a better community.

“We are so thankful for the amount of support the community has shown for us. They have absolutely rallied around the local icon that they want to see thrive. So they have been very gracious and patient with the transition. We look every day to serve them as best as the weather and the seasons will allow us.

“The line between tourist and local grays easily as people fall in love with the community. They begin to have a regular rental, then look to buy some property and eventually retire up here.

“It’s a neat thing and we hope that we are a large part of their decision to purchase property and retire up here.

“Thank you, St.Germain!”

To make reservations call 715-479-7331 or visit their Facebook web page.