Old Fashioned, Ariel Gorst, Andy Meddaugh awarded

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — From its “appeteasers” to its hand-muddled old fashioned, Crabby Dave’s holds a long-standing reputation for good food and service. Since its establishment in 1991, the restaurant and lounge has held its own on the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street.

Last year, Crabby Dave’s entered the next phase of its lifecycle as it welcomed new owners.

Though co-owner Tim Tolppi’s career with Mid-State Truck Service spans more than a decade, he was no newcomer to the restaurant industry.

Tim Tolppi, pictured, and his girlfriend Kris Dodge took over ownership of Crabby Dave’s in fall 2016.

“I started in the restaurant business when I was 14,” said Tolppi. “I started working at RiverEdge when I was 15. When I was 18, Tim and Brenda Schmitz made me a bartender, and within a year and a half I was assistant manager.”

Tolppi took on a few other roles before spending some time away from the bar and restaurant business.

“I started bartending again for extra money, and then I missed the people,” recalled Tolppi. “That’s why I got back into it.

“I had been working for Dave Steinmetz since March. Then he approached me to take over the business. … I said, ‘Why not?’ It’s been my dream.”

With 26 years of experience and some longtime key employees, Tolppi and his girlfriend Kris Dodge continue with the services and offerings that have made Crabby Dave’s an enduring presence.

Among those key employees is waitress Ariel Gorst, who received the most votes in the 2017 Best of Marshfield Waiter/Waitress category.

“She is very personable,” said Tolppi. “How she can handle so much and do it so smoothly … and her laugh.”

Gorst has been with the restaurant for eight years, as has fellow staff member Andy Meddaugh, who took the honors as Best Bartender.

“He is also very personable,” added Tolppi. “His memory is phenomenal. … The customer is No.1.”

Tolppi said that when Gorst and Meddaugh team up, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

“They create a fun atmosphere, especially on Saturday nights,” he explained.

Taking home a third award, Crabby Dave’s Old Fashioned was also voted the Best in Marshfield.