Campbellsport, WI – Sandpiper Inn on Lake Bernice has sold and the new owner is recognizable in the local restaurant industry.
Eric Schairer is the new owner. It was about 14 months ago when Schairer bought the old Long Branch Saloon, now The Barton House, 1800 Barton Avenue, in West Bend, WI.
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It was April 1, 2023 when WashingtonCountyInsider.com published the story about Kevin Stautz and his wife announcing the difficult decision to close the restaurant on Lake Bernice. Now Schairer is giving it new life.
Schairer said he is “really excited to bring the Sandpiper back to the community.”
“Although there’s been an ownership change, we’re keeping the same staff for the most part and bringing in the same food that people known so well including the original recipe broasted chicken, the German potato salad and American potato salad.
“We’re not trying to recreate the wheel or anything like that but just sticking to the
fundamentals that worked.”
Schairer said he will keep the name of the restaurant the same because the business has really made a name for itself on Lake Bernice.
“It’s been the Sandpiper for gosh, over 30 years so we’re going to just keep it exactly the
same,” he said. “I really like the fact we’re on Lake Bernice. A lot of people are probably like ‘where’s Lake Bernice,’ but if they’re not familiar with the area it’s a nice small community and the lake is still open to the public.
“Driving out here you’ll have nice rustic views with plenty of farmland and beautiful fall leaves.
“I just fell in love with the character when you walk in; it’s just a homey, cozy type of
environment.”
Schairer is hoping to open The Sandpiper Inn by the middle of November. Stay tuned.
Listen to the video interview where Schairer talks about the nugget of history that means a lot to him and what’s next at The Barton House.
