From public to private

ARROW POINT - "Thank you for calling Eddie's Bar and Grill. Eddie's is no longer open for service. We greatly appreciate your patronage and support of the restaurant. Thank you again for calling. Goodbye."

That's the phone message you get when calling the previously public restaurant that sits on Arrow Point.

On Monday the staff was preparing the restaurant for a Friday opening, but it's now open to Gozzer Ranch members only.

"When we purchased that property it was always in the long-term business plan to keep that as a private lake club for our members," said Carol Taylor, director of marketing for Discovery Land Company, which developed Gozzer Ranch.

"We really kept it open to the public as long as we could," she added. "But what it really comes down to is a capacity issue."

Taylor said the restaurant has become very popular during the summer months, which makes it hard for their members to get service when they want it.

She said when the residents of Gozzer Ranch purchased their properties in the private golf community, it included membership in a private lakefront club.

"They have been paying their dues for that," she added.

Gozzer still plans to provide private boat slips to non-members who purchased slips before Gozzer bought the Discovery Marina, Taylor said.

Hutton's General Store, which is also owned by Gozzer Ranch, will remain open to the public, as well.

"If you're near Arrow Point and looking for gas, food, or drinks, stop by Hutton's General Store (on Highway 97)," she said. "Or you can call up to the store when you arrive to request fuel dock service. They also sell ice and cold drinks, so you can restock your supplies while the fuel is pumping."