Meet the ‘A-Team’ that makes Crabby Dave’s a happy place for many

By Matthieu Vollmer

Business Writer

MARSHFIELD — The name Crabby Dave’s implies irritability, but nothing could be further from reality for employees of the restaurant Andy Meddaugh and Ariel Gorst. They are winners of the Best Bartender and Best Waitress awards, respectively, from the Marshfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Meddaugh and Gorst were nominated by customers.

When asked what they like about working at Crabby Dave’s most, both Gorst and Meddaugh mentioned customers. They described their relationship with customers as not just patrons but friends. “We’re just us. We know the people, and we take time to listen to them and talk to them,” said Gorst.

Kim and Kathy Rice, Marshfield residents, have been Crabby Dave’s customers since the business opened in August 1991 and before the restaurant was called Crabby Dave’s.

“I didn’t know them (Gorst and Meddaugh) before they started working there. We got to know them by going there, and now they’ve turned into very good friends. They are great friends,” said Kim. “It’s a comfortable place for us to go. We like hanging out there, and they make it pleasurable to hang out there.

“They’re a lot of fun. They do a great job. It’s kind of fun to banter and back and forth with them. They are very good at taking drink or food orders. They are just enjoyable people to be around. Very pleasant.”

Crabby Dave’s is owned and operated by Dave and Mary Fischer. Best sellers include the grilled turkey jack sandwich, alfredo pastas, fresh hand-battered cheese curds, onion soup, and hand-battered shrimp. The business donates gift certificates to various nonprofits and employs about 11 people.

The Crabby Dave’s sign greets passersby on South Central Avenue in Marshfield.

“It’s a lot like Cheers. You feel comfortable when you come in. It feels like home,” said Gorst when asked what makes Crabby Dave’s different from other establishments. Meddaugh and Gorst are known as the so-called “A-Team.”

“You can come in for dinner and get a free show,” said Gorst jokingly.

The A-Team has been working at Crabby Dave’s for over six years. Meddaugh has won Best Bartender two years in a row and has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Gorst has over 15 years of experience.

When asked about his customer service philosophy, Meddaugh replied, “We treat them (customers) the way I would want to be treated when I go out.”

Crabby Dave’s is located at 501 S. Central Ave. in Marshfield. To learn more call 715-384-4868 or find them on Facebook. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 3 to 10 p.m.