Today we’d like to introduce you to Chuck Dougherty.
Hi Chuck, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been, along with my wife Judy, involved in the hospitality business in the Valley since purchasing the Rivertown Inn Bed & Breakfast in 1987. In 1993 we purchased a historic home in Oak Park Heights, renovated and opened our second B & B, the Cover Park Manor. In 1994, purchased the historic Lumber Exchange Building in downtown Stillwater. In 1995, the Water Street Inn, Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub and Conference Center opened.
Currently serve on the Oak Park Heights City Council.
One of the organizers and on the Board of Summer Tuesday, and Stillwater’s Harvest Fest.
I’m involved with a number of organizations; founded and served as President of Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association, past Treasurer of the Inns of the Valley, member of Stillwater Lions Club and Solanus Casey Council 1632 of the Knights of Columbus. Served on the Parks and Planning Commissions for Oak Park Heights, I also have been active in a number of Stillwater Chamber committees over the years including serving as President and Treasurer, currently serving on the Board as VP. I have been on the Board of the Convention and Visitors Bureau since it formed in 2008.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has been times when things don’t go right. In 1996 we had a restaurant in the Grand Garage. Thanksgiving week there was a fire in the building, we had issues with our insurance company and the building wasn’t ready to reopen till August, by that time money was tight so we had to give up our lease. It took us a few years to recover from that loss.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Water Street Inn is Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater on the St. Croix river, in the nationally registered historic Lumber Exchange Building. It is the only lodging property on the River in Stillwater. We feature 61 guestrooms. A ballroom, conference room and board rooms. We have two onsite restaurants: Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub and Papa’s rooftop located on the 4th floor overlooking the river valley.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do your research. Talk with the City, meet with the Chamber, find out what is going on. Be involved, it takes time but it will pay off in the long run
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waterstreetinn.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterstreetinn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterStreetInn, https://www.facebook.com/charliesirishpub, and https://www.facebook.com/papasrooftop
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/water-street-inn/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/water-street-inn-stillwater
