Delavan Restaurant Guide

The waterfront was born on September 5, 1981 when Jim Scholle and his partner Joe Bell purchased the Little Gallery Bar from a fellow named Stan Anderson. The aroma of spilled beer and stale smoke was included at no additional charge!

The Waterfront officially opened for business on the 13th of September, 1981 with 13 bar stools, exquisite red shag carpeting and shuttered windows. The floor was aggressively sloped towards the jukebox and the restroom, making it quite an accomplishment for our patrons to play a song or reach the loo without a few "extra steps".

In the winter of 1992, a much-needed remodeling project added square footage, an exterior deck, new water closets and 12 additional bar stools. A few years later, the infamous outdoor deck was removed to make room for an addition with even more seating and more room to party. In 1998, Joe moved on to new ventures and Jim forged ahead as the sole proprietor of the Waterfront.

Jim Scholle passed on March 12, 2001, leaving the Waterfront in the hands of his trustworthy staff an his daughter. That's me.

On July 23, 2007, we poured the foundation of this building. The old Waterfront is gone now, but we've built on the legacy of the original by adding even more room to party, a convenient drive-thru for food, wine and beer, and best of all, a menu of evolved comfort food created and constantly updated by our brilliant Executive Chef, Timmy Wedell. Although we've changed things up a bit, my Dad is still riding with us. Raise a glass to his beloved Harley, perched high above to keep a watchful eye on all his friends holding court at the bar.

To our loyal customers, thank you. We hope you enjoy the new Waterfront as you reminisce about the old one. To all our new customers, welcome! You don't known the difference!
- Joey Scholle Torkelson and the Torkelson Family