VENTURA, IOWA – Have you ever dreamed of owning your own restaurant, with a banquet room and bar?
If you have, there’s a gem in Ventura that is waiting for the right owner to breathe new life into it, and in return, you could have the business you’ve always wanted.
Pat Kuhlemeier, the owner of the Colony Inn, has announced she is retiring and selling the property and everything inside. She and her former husband first opened the Colony Inn, located at 104 N. Weimer Street, for business in 1988. They completely upgraded the building with renovations such as a custom-made cherry wood bar and black walnut wood dance floor. They ran the establishment for 9 years. Pat then leased the restaurant to other operators. Pat again came back and ran the Colony Inn from Nov. 2009 to 2014. The Colony Inn was known for its friendly atmosphere and homemade items such as their bread, soups, salad dressings, deserts, and unique dinner salads, along with many other items like their prime rib, BBQ ribs, tenderloins, sandwiches and more.
“We had a lot of regulars that came in and became friends with the staff and myself,” Pat said. “They were the backbone of our business, along with the many rehearsal dinners, group meetings, Christmas Parties, and others.”
Now, regretfully, Pat says, due to health issues, it’s time to sell. “I need to retire, and to have some free time.”
The Colony Inn is essentially a turn-key business waiting for the right person with a vision for a thriving business.
“We had so many successful years running the Colony,” Pat says. “If the right person come along and brings the strong work ethic, a friendly attitude, and a love for the restaurant and bar business, they could make a great life for themselves here in Ventura.”
The unique layout of the restaurant and banquet areas makes for many opportunities. There is a split dining room; half can be closed for larger parties, receptions and other gatherings. The formal dining area can seat roughly 70 people; the north side dining area which includes the main bar can seat roughly 60 people comfortably. The party room in back seats an additional 80 people, and an upstairs party room can seat 90 people.
“We would get reservations all year round. The larger groups would book the party room, smaller groups might ask for a table in the bar, or in the dining room,
or even in the party room, if it was available.” Pat explained. “The party room would get very busy after Thanksgiving and sometimes even into January, for Christmas parties.”
Upon sale, everything stays, Pat says. This includes all the essentials to running the business including tables, chairs, kitchen appliances, utensils, all glassware, a $10,000 point of sale system, beer coolers, decorations for all seasons – you name it. On topofthat,theupstairsoffersevenmorepotential, leaving as a large party room, or making it living quarters for yourself, or could be made into rental rooms or apartments. There is also a separate office with a full bathroom.
Currently, Pat and her daughter are giving the premises a thorough cleaning so it will be ready to open when a new owner takes possession.
If you have interest in the Colony Inn or would like to view it please contact Pat at 641-829-3656. You may also inquire about leaving a bid on the property on its Facebook page.
