Business spotlight: Summer fun at the Thomas House
Upscale dining with a laid-back atmosphere
(Photo courtesy of the Thomas House)
By Matthieu Vollmer
Business Writer
MARSHFIELD — The Thomas House Restaurant is offering festive entertainment during the summer months, including an open mic night on Tuesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. and Music Sensation Thursdays (MSTs) from 8 to 11 p.m.
“Eating out is an experience. It’s not quantity. It’s quality,” says owner R. Lyman Smith, one of three business partners. The Thomas House employs 12 people and features a menu that changes seasonally or every six months. The restaurant expects to have a new menu out around September with a prospective beer and dinner pairing in October.
“I particularly enjoy the bar atmosphere. It’s like Cheers where everybody knows me. The service is very friendly. It’s just a fun and upbeat atmosphere, especially during the summer when you can be outside on the patio,” says Karen Shulman, a Marshfield resident and patron since the restaurant opened in 2009.
Joe Gustafson and Lor Chang host open mic nights at the Thomas House while MSTs showcase four- to five-piece bands of varying genres each week. Groups that have recently played include the MPK Christian Celtic Band, Exit Stage Left, and You Knew Me When.
“I really like the scallops, what everybody loves,” said Shulman. “The deserts are amazing with the new pastry chef. I loved the ricotta fritters.” Other best-selling dishes include steak, salmon, lamb, pork, and duck. The restaurant grows its own mint for mojitos and makes its own rhubarb-infused vodka.
According to Smith, one common misconception people have about the Thomas House is that it is a formal restaurant, but he says that it can be as formal or informal as guests like.
“People don’t realize how affordable it is. Women like to dress up, and people like to dress up for dates, anniversaries, or just to take the wife out. It’s a family-oriented place,” says Smith.
He says that the customer experience is all about the atmosphere, service, quality, and presentation.
“Make an evening out of it, and have an enjoyable night out,” he said.
When asked what she would recommend to someone who has not been to the Thomas House, Shulman said, “Call to make reservations as it can get quite busy. The special is always good, and be sure to build in time to hang out by the bar before and after dinner.”
The Thomas House recently added a new jazz lounge in the basement of the building to host additional entertainment acts. The space can be used for wedding receptions and other group parties.
The restaurant serves local products as much as possible, including craft beer. The Thomas House is a member of Main Street Marshfield, the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and participates in various fundraisers that support the dog park, library, and Children’s Miracle Network.
The Thomas House is located at 103 S. Central Ave. in Marshfield. Food is served from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and the bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. or close. For more information call 715-207-6677 or find them on Facebook.
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