Orchid Inn gets new look

Partitions removed,

new lights added

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- The Orchid Inn re-opened with a new look recently after Karen Romberg and Tim Beech became new owners of the business.

Upon walking into the bar area of the restaurant, the first thing you notice is how much more open and lighter the venue is.

Walls and partitions were removed and new florescent lights were added in and around the bar. Beech credited Romberg and her friends with lots of long hours spent repainting the interior of the restaurant to lighten things up. Sleepy Eye area contractors completed electrical work for the new lights.

Beech said the redecoration has meant a sizeable increase in business.

"Lots of people were interested in seeing how the new Orchid Inn looks," Beech said.

No big menu changes have taken place yet but a short-order menu will be added. New menu features to be added include a Sunday brunch and a variety of ethnic food nights will be held each month for lovers of German, Swedish and Italian food. Popular local recipes will also be featured in the near future.

Bookings for wedding parties, anniversaries and other events are being taken for events for hundreds of people through 2004. A grand opening is being planned next month.

"It's good to be open. I'm tickled to death over the support we're getting," Beech said. "This will keep the Orchid Inn open. It's the people that make the business. Most employees stayed (including former owners Rita and Don Billmeier) after we bought the business."