Lakeside Supper Club will not re-open

A respected Czech Country supper club has become the latest victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing its permanent closure on Thursday.

The Lakeside Supper Club, located on Lake Pepin on Highway 13/21 between Montgomery and New Prague, has been closed since the initial COVID-19 "stay at home" order in March last year, and will not be re-opening.

In a Facebook post to its patrons, owner George Kukacka and Catering Manager, Jayne Hirdler, made the decision with “heavy hearts and profound sadness” not to re-open.

They stated they had to make themselves sit down and write what they had been avoiding. And they did so from table #40, which is the table in front of the fireplace.

“It came to us several weeks ago that the reason we have been putting this off is that all of this has the immense pressure of a eulogy. How can we possibly consider the epic nature of what this place is, and was to us, our families, loyal staff, friends, and customers into a couple of paragraphs?” they wrote. “The two of us have countless memories over the years here. From first dates, proposals, and weddings to graduations, baby showers, and memorial services, you allowed us to be a part of the big moments of your lives. We are so honored and humbled to have hosted every single one of them.”

They described the past year as an extremely difficult one where people have missed out and lost so much.

“Our small family business is another COVID-19 casualty, added on to the long list of what we have all suffered,” they continued. "For the longest time, when we thought about our final service, we imagined a bittersweet, but joyful goodbye party. We are deeply saddened that we are all losing out on this final celebration.”

George and Jayne ended their post with a heartfelt thank you to all the diners over the past 25 years.

“We are and will forever be immensely grateful to have been part of all your special occasions and this wonderful community. With all of our love and gratitude, George & Jayne.”