Bridging the Gap

July 23rd, 2008

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Many Table Rock Lake residents have had a difficult time with the recent storms and high lake levels. Just about every business on the lake has felt the impact. Community members are all pitching in to help where they can for people and businesses alike.

Embodying all the fun qualities of life on Table Rock Lake, the Port Grill and Oyster Shack has been a mainstay institution at Campbell Point Marina for 12 years. But as waters rose with no sign of dissipating, concerns were raised about the restaurant being able to operate during the season.

"Naturally we were concerned" says Jim Saywer, General Manager at the Port Grill. "It wasn't just about people not being able to get to their boats and have a good time on the lake, but it was also about the employees who were planning to work the season at the Port Grill. Like a lot of others on the lake, we were not physically able to get to our restaurant."

The Port Grill and Oyster Shack is a floating restaurant and a local and seasonal favorite among tourists and vacationers. At the highest stage lake level, the restaurant was more than 180 feet from shore. The ramp to shore is only 40 feet long. This made pre-season renovations and upkeep next to impossible.

Today tourists and locals alike are enjoying the food and atmosphere of the floating restaurant. Local businessman, Scott Fitzpatrick, owner of MariCorp U.S. and subsidiaries Maritime Dock Works and Air Port Boatlift Systems, came up with a viable solution by offering the use of dock sections to create a walkway spanning 80 feet to shore. This would allow land customers to visit the restaurant and for suppliers to deliver goods.

Jim thanks the community and businesses that donated services and products to get the restaurant up and running and accessible to all patrons.

Says Scott Fitzpatrick "It's the right thing to do. All of us are in this together, and all of us at MariCorp were happy we could help out."

A local marine manufacturing company, MariCorp U.S. builds and installs marinas across the United States, and sells boat lifts and kit docks systems through their national dealerships. But aside from the big picture, the owner knows where his company's roots are.

"We've been very fortunate here in Shell Knob" says Scott. Fitzpatrick started Maritime Dock Works in 2003, and credits much of his success to the local communities in and around Shell Knob and Table Rock Lake. "I've been a firm believer in supporting Shell Knob and the community." As a member of the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce, Scott and MariCorp U.S. participate in many of the fund raising and community events.

 

The Rattler