Margaritaville shakes up the scene

SANDUSKY — As its name implies, The Original Margaritaville's rebirth blends both a classic and creative feel to the restaurant — a decades-old institution on Sandusky's west end. In December, four locals — family members Chris Schaeffer, Suzie Schaeffer, Dean Wikel and Larren Wikel — finalized their purchase of the business on Fremont Avenue (U.S. 6). The family also owns The Winerie, a Sandusky-area establishment, on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4). They named Daryl Mominee as its general manager. He boasts about 30 years in the food and beverage industry. "Everything we have done so far is to put this place back on the map as one of the area's best restaurants," Mominee said. "We believe we have given the community and the people what they want in terms of pointing the business back in the right direction." Beyond a complete top-to-bottom interior facelift — which includes an overall brighter, fresher look; more open seating overlooking the scenic Cold Creek waterfall; a larger bar; and other amplified amenities — Margaritaville's menu reverted to what its customers prefer. Some years ago, the food options primarily switched from Mexican to barbecue, which led to Margaritaville falling out of favor with many locals, Mominee said. When the new regime took over, "I wanted to take it back to Mexican food, the way it was 10 years ago when everyone wanted it and came here to enjoy it," said Mominee, who emphasized how chefs make each dish from scratch. "That means our food comes from the heart and just adds to our great atmosphere." Among the more popular meals: steak Milanesa, blackened fish, fish tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, queso soups, guacamoles, Mexican pizzas, tacos — whether hard, soft or fried with beef, chicken or shrimp and all the fixings — nachos and more. The restaurant also, once again, offers hand-shaken margaritas. "It's no longer out of the tap," Mominee said. "That's part of serving everything here fresh." Come summertime, diners can expect many specials, such as cheesesteaks and pizzas, cooked out on Margaritaville's patio. And, as in the past, once warmer weather arrives, management intends to book acts for live entertainment. "This is a family-friendly restaurant that wants to make sure everyone is having a good time and is a place for everybody and not just one specific customer," said Mominee, noting it's open seven days a week. Among those most excited about the change include longtime Margaritaville bartender Jody Johnson, who stayed on during the changeover. "I feel really rejuvenated working here," Johnson said. "I stayed because of the customers. I have known them for years, and they are like my family. So it's important to make people, my family, feel like they want to be here. There are a lot of positive changes here, and I think, with our new restaurant, our customers will really appreciate what we have done here."