New Crabby Dave’s co-owner is no stranger to restaurant business
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.
This month Crabby Dave’s enters the next phase of its lifecycle as it welcomes new owners.
Though co-owner Tim Tolppi’s career with Mid-State Truck Service spans 14 years, he is no newcomer to the restaurant industry.
“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 taking 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 will continue with the services and offerings that have made Crabby Dave’s an enduring presence. However, along with new ownership will come a few embellishments.
“We started doing custom ice cream drinks with a paddle mixer, like it should be done,” explained Tolppi. “Something that nobody really does anymore.”
“We are going to try to do something a little different once a month and work in some entertainment here and there,” Tolppi added.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.