Wade After the disappointment of the closing of the Sportsman Inn and the news of condominiums being built on the site that didn't pan out, a group of businessmen have come together to restore and re-open the much-missed Sportsman Inn. There will no longer be a place to lay one's head, but the restaurant will be "better than ever," according to manager George Wade.

"The best part of this project is all the stories people tell us about the old Sportsman," Wade said. "There is a lot of Sportsman lore."

The restaurant's re-opening is planned for mid-June and will offer seating capacity for approximately 150, including the outside deck on the lake. The boat docks will be maintained for lake-traffic.

Wade said he hopes he and the partners are creating a place to instill new memories while cherishing the old ones.

"We have researched the history and pictures of the old establ i s h m e n t , " Wade said. "Everybody who comes through has a unique story to

tell." Wade stated he would like to gather as many anecdotes and stories from patrons as possible. He encouraged the public to share their memories with the management staff.

Wade said there is no exit plan for the business.

"We are here to stay," he said. "I think we are very financially solid."

He explained the owners are not "locked into a corporate structure" and can make needed changes when indicated.

"We can move pretty fast if we need to," he said.

"I left a job in Virginia to come here and do this," he said.

Wade explained he has 20 years in the restaurant business to draw from to make this project a success.

"I have cooked, I have washed dishes, and I have managed restaurants," he said.

A family connection brought Wade to the area. His wife is the sister of one of the partners and another family member lives in Indianapolis.

Wade and his wife have five children and he is looking for a permanent residence for them to occupy. Wade's family will move to Indiana in June after school ends.

The Sportsman will open in June with a restaurant and lounge. Second-floor banquet rooms are planned to open in the fall. Catering will be offered later after the business is established according to Wade.

The Sportsman Inn is located off US 421 near Monticello in Carroll County.

Wade said he is anxious to reopen the restaurant to begin a new chapter of the Sportsman's history.