Crabby Dave’s has new owners
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – Crabby Dave’s has had a long-standing presence in Marshfield. Since its establishment in 1991, the restaurant and lounge has held its own on the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street.
This month Crabby Dave’s enters yet another phase as it welcomes new owners.
Christina & Thad Kunkel took over the business on Sept. 1.
Christina is a familiar face to Crabby Dave’s customers.
“I have a background in business, and waitresses and bartending,” Christina explained. “I’ve been here eight years. I’ve been on the floor mostly waitressing. I do bartend occasionally. It’s not as much as I would like sometimes, but I don’t mind (being) on the floor.”
The couple has entered into a lease agreement for the business takeover.
“I’ve always wanted my own restaurant and bar, so when the old owner decided that he was done it took me a couple of weeks to even think about even coming in here,” Christina added. “First it was just thought process and then I was cornered. It was like why not. I’ll try it for the year. We’ll see how it goes. We can either give it back to the owner of the building or keep it.”
The Kunkels are planning for no staffing changes with the transition. “Even Tim (Tolppi), the older owner, is staying on to bartend two days a week,” Christina said.
The Kunkels hope to increase their lunch clientele, while keeping the menu the same.
“Our nights are phenomenal. Tuesdays are pretty decent, because we have the movie theater and they have $5 movies,” Christina stated, “so they kind of help us there. So, it would be nice to increase some of our daytime customers.”