By JOE VANDELAARSCHOT
Daily News
A long-time Richfield tavern could soon have a new owner and a new look.
Jeremy Sobotik and Josh Goodman, both from Pewaukee, are purchasing Donna’s Tap in the village from Donna Loew. The business will be renamed Boondock’s Pub and Pizza.
The village Plan Commission has approved the plan for Boondock’s which Sobotik said will help finalize financing.
Sobotik said Loew is operating her business on a limited basis. Loew said she wants to get out because of health problems.
“I’ve owned the place for 47 years. In 1968 I took over from my parents who built the place 80 years ago,” Loew said. “I’ve been here almost my entire life so it’s going to be a change, but it’s time.”
Village Administrator Jim Healy said Plan Commission members wanted to examine Sobotik and Goodman’s plan.
A tavern is allowed on the property with a conditional use permit, Healy said.
“A restaurant is a permitted use, but the commission wanted to review the business plan and they were pleased by what they saw,” he said.
Sobotik said he and his partner hope to open on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
“We’re going to have a lot of work to do before then,” Sobotik said. “The downstairs is going to be nearly totally renovated.”
Sobotik said he and his partner have searched for a location to start their business for about two years.
“We’ve been attending trade shows and having discussions for a couple of years and at the same time looking for the right opportunity,” Sobotik said. “We like Richfield. We like the clientele. We like the location. We feel this can be a very successful operation.”
Sobotik and Goodman said there will be few changes to the exterior of the building other than a new sign.
Sobotik and Goodman said the business will be family oriented and open until 2 a.m. every day except Tuesday when they will be closed. Food will be served nightly until 10 p.m.
“Our primary operation will be sitdowndining, but we will provide takeout and delivery on the weekend,”Sobotik said.
Goodman said the operation will be similar to that of Doc’s Dry Dock.
“We will have a Friday night fish fry which we don’t in Pewaukee because the space there is very limited,” Goodman said. “We hope to be a staple in the community. We might have celebrity bartender nights where people from the community can raise funds for a charity. We may also conduct food drives to help the community as well.”
Goodman said he was attracted to the building because of “its rustic outdoor appearance.”
“It kind of fits with Doc’s in Pewaukee,” he said. “I also know the area pretty well, too.”
Loew said she wishes the new owners well.
“But I’ve been in this business for so long that I’m going to miss the customers. Many are my friends,” Loew said.
Reach reporter Joe VanDeLaarschot at jvan@conleynet.com.