Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Thomopoulos
Hi Josie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in the restaurant industry as a hostess at a restaurant in Fergus Falls for my first job. From there, I worked my way through every position, helping out wherever I could and gaining a deep appreciation for the industry. Over time, my hard work and passion led to a promotion to dining room manager. As my love for hospitality grew, so did my ambition—I knew I wanted to open a place of my own.
That vision became a reality in 2018 with the opening of The Boathouse, where I’ve been dedicated to creating an exceptional, year-round dining experience ever since. In 2022, we expanded with the opening of our second location, Palmer’s Kitchen + Bar, at the Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls, furthering our commitment to great food, hospitality, and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The restaurant industry is never a smooth road, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge—there’s nothing like the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult. It requires grit, endless energy, a true labor of love, strong time management, and extreme mental toughness.
Owning a restaurant during COVID while also having a newborn was a terrifying nightmare—I’ll just leave it at that. Staffing is another ongoing challenge. While we’re fortunate to have many amazing team members, managing schedules, handling the constant ebb and flow of employees, and navigating all the different personalities (both good and bad) is always an adventure. But despite the struggles, the rewards of creating a great dining experience and being part of the community make it all worth it.
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?
Great food, excellent service, and consistency are at the heart of what we do. My husband, our executive chef, is incredibly talented—his food is second to none, and his dedication in the kitchen is unmatched. He’s the driving force behind the incredible dishes our guests have come to love.
What sets us apart is our dedication to providing a year-round, reliable dining experience in Battle Lake. No matter the season or the challenges we face, we remain committed to delivering high-quality food and exceptional service. We’re especially known for our smash burgers, house-made pastas—especially our fan-favorite Jack Mac—and an overall menu that balances creativity with comforting, well-executed dishes. I’m incredibly proud of our ability to stay consistent despite the ups and downs of the industry. Being known for great food, outstanding hospitality, and a dependable dining option is something we take seriously, and we’re grateful for the community that continues to support us.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family matters most to me—it’s everything. Being a mother is my life’s greatest joy, and my roles as a wife, daughter, sister, and auntie all shape who I am. I have an incredibly loving husband who is always there when I need him and is always up for whatever crazy life adventure I push on him. Spending time in nature helps ground me and keep me centered. Community is also incredibly important to me—there’s something amazing about being part of a place that truly cares and supports one another.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19T36miVFX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F8QWAeA3e/?mibextid=wwXIfr
