Tee Time Lounge to open at Glacier Wood

By Holly Neumann

Tee Time Lounge, located at Glacier Wood Golf Club at 604 Water St. in Iola, will open its doors for the first time on Friday, March 31.

General manager Bob Sager is excited about the opportunity.

“I am no stranger to the bar industry,” he said. “I have learned different aspects of the business from different areas of the country. I started out as a cook, then bartended. I have worked in supper clubs, banquet halls and bars.”

Sager, who owns the business with Christopher Polanco and Danielle Pelto, said he is looking forward to sharing his talents with not only the Iola community, but also with golfers at Glacier Wood Golf Club.

“This is a great opportunity to open this up as an eatery, supper club type of vibe,” he said. “It will be a good place for a dating environment, a niche that is not being met anywhere: intimacy, yet still around people, proper etiquette and great scenery.”

Having some fun

Sager also wants to have some fun. There will be karaoke, trivia nights, card nights and even bourbon tasting outside by the fire.

“We will always be doing something new,” he said. “I am willing to try anything once. It’s all about growing in the industry.”

Sager’s plans also include monthly themed bloody Marys in a 36-ounce mug with all the fixings and bottomless mimosas each Sunday.

The food will include basic entrees and typical American cuisine.

“We will have a Friday fish fry and steaks on Saturday,” Sager said. “We will also have broasted chicken on Sundays, but if you want a bucket of chicken to go, I will be happy to make that any day of the week.”

The menu will also include daily specials and appetizers.

“I make some of the appetizers myself, from chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders,” Sager said. “I like food you can share with another person. It creates a camaraderie.”
There will also be hot and cold grab-and-go items for golfers.

“We will have a slow and gradual growth,” Sager said. “I hope people understand that, as I want everything done correctly. We are not going to start with everything right away, as I don’t want to overwhelm the staff.”

He wants everything to be consistent so that patrons receive the same quality of food, drinks and service each time they visit.

“Growing pains may happen, but my goal is to make this a year-round establishment,” Sager said.

The community has been very welcoming so far, according to Sager.

“We had a soft opening on March 11,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and there were a lot of people here.”

For now, Tee Time Lounge will be open at 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and stay open as long as people are there. On Saturday and Sunday, they will open at 10 a.m.

Hours will change once golf season begins, with the kitchen to open at 10 a.m.

There will also be an active cart staff to supply beverage needs to golfers on and off the course.