Popeye’s on Lake Geneva Restaurant

 

Store Name Popeye’s on Lake Geneva Restaurant
Festive ethnic dining

Business Type Restaurants (Food Service and Drinking Places)

NAICS Code 722

Location 811 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Nearby Businesses Riviera Boat Docks, Hogs & Kisses (tavern), The Grand Geneva (hotel), Cornerstone Shoppe, Kilwin’s Fudge Shop

Owner/Manager Nick and Veronica Anagnos

Special Store Activities Octoberfest, 5-week long German festival

Year Opened 1972

Website http://www.popeyesonlakegeneva.com

Phone (262)-248-4381

E-mail popeyes@genevaonline.com

Community Profile The City of Lake Geneva (population 7,100; 10 mile radius: 64,000) is located on Lake Geneva, at the center of the triangle region between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago near the Illinois – Wisconsin boarder. Lake Geneva has a vibrant, historic downtown, and known regionally for its specialty stores and outdoor recreational activities.

         
Products Sold & Niche Developed

Popeye’s is a Greek ethnic restaurant, serving some traditional Greek dishes in addition to class American fare and seasonal offerings from a wide selection of ethnicities. American fare includes bratwurst, burgers, fish, steak, seafood, and BBQ ribs. The most popular draw is the outdoor rotisserie serving slow roasted chicken over a hardwood fire seven days a week, all year around. Popeye’s seats 600, and despite its size, most everything is prepared and served fresh, rather than pre-prepared.

Market Segments Served

Seating 600, Popeye’s draws large groups, families, and parties. Popeye’s is family owned and operated restaurant known for attention to detail; guest satisfaction; and entertaining, laid back atmosphere. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Popeye’s is a huge draw for local and regional residents to dine and mingle.

Contributions to the Business Community

Popeye’s was originally a 60-seat tavern, has expanded over time to seat 600. Popeye’s has been operated continuously since 1972 by the Anagnos family. Popeye’s marketing, advertising, and special menu offerings draws people to the downtown during the slow tourist seasons. An example of special menu and events are: Mardi Gras theme menu and party, Italian and Greek festivals, special ethnic menu offerings from host countries during the Olympics.

Popeye’s started Octoberfest, a 5-week long Germanic festival. Popeye’s brings in accordion players, serves authentic German wine, beer and food, and servers dress in festive attire. Since inception, it has expanded to be a community-wide event in addition to Popeye’s activities. While Popeye’s still offers a 5 week long Octoberfest, it is now a weekend-long festival in downtown Lake Geneva, including live music, outdoor sales, and community marketing.

Review by: Joshua Clements, UW Extension CCED