November 3, 2026 – Hartford, Wi – Chris Goeman says it’s time to step back from the restaurant business and devote more attention to his other ventures. Goeman, who took over Uncle Larry’s Rustic Inn in 2023 has put the business up for sale.
The property, which has served generations of diners under several different names, is being offered as a turnkey restaurant opportunity, complete with its building, furnishings, kitchen equipment and dining essentials.
For Goeman, the decision to sell comes down to priorities.
“I know that’s what I need to do, what’s best for me and my family,” he said. “I just don’t feel I’m giving it a fair shake by not being able to dedicate more time to it.”
Goeman said his primary business interests are in convenience stores, car washes and storage units, and he wants to concentrate his time and energy on those operations.
“The restaurant business isn’t for me,” he said. “I know it deserves more than what I can give it.”
The restaurant’s history at 3327 Lake Drive stretches back decades.
Before becoming Uncle Larry’s Rustic Inn, the establishment was known as Pike Lake House Inn. A traditional supper club atmosphere and an establishment known for its Friday fish frys.
In 2012 Jeff Slough purchased the business and called it simply Pike Lake House. According to articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Slough renovated the building, brought out its historic “hand-hewn timbers” and took the menu to the next level. Slough closed the business in 2017.
Prior to that Goeman recalled it previously operated as the Rustic Inn and, further back, was associated with the Kress family.
Goeman said his family became involved in the property around 2018, when they acquired it from the bank. His father, Larry, initially took over the restaurant operation. Chris subsequently assumed responsibility for running the business around 2022.
The name Uncle Larry’s has a family story behind it, too.
Goeman said the name was inspired in part by an earlier food brand, Grandpa Carl’s Chicken. When considering a name for his father’s restaurant, he decided Grandpa Larry’s didn’t quite have the right ring to it.
Instead, he settled on Uncle Larry’s.
“At first my dad did not like it at all. He hated it,” Goeman said.
That changed when his father’s golfing buddies began recognizing him and calling him Uncle Larry. Eventually, the nickname stuck — and so did the restaurant’s identity.
Larry is now 78, and Goeman said his father is not interested in taking over the business again.
The restaurant has drawn attention in recent years over a neighboring property dispute and questions surrounding its zoning status. Goeman emphasized, those issues were not a factor in his decision to sell.
“Not at all. The lawsuit’s over,” he said, adding that the property is operating under a conditional use permit and he believes the matter has been resolved.
“We are good to go. We are able to operate underneath the restaurant guidelines and all that stuff, so we’re good.”
Goeman said the restaurant employs more than 30 people. While the prospect of a new owner has naturally created some uncertainty among employees, he said the business is continuing to operate.
“I’m not closing it down,” he said. “I’m just going to move on.”
Goeman acknowledged that employees are understandably wondering what a change in ownership could mean for their jobs and the restaurant’s future.
As for a timeline, Goeman isn’t putting a deadline on the sale.
He also stressed the restaurant is not being sold because it is losing money. Rather, he believes another owner with more time and restaurant-industry experience could take the operation further.
“I know the deli end of it. I know my kitchen, but when you get into that stuff, it’s just way over my head once in a while,” he said.
Goeman said letting go of a business is never easy, but he believes the decision is the right one.
The property is being marketed as a turnkey restaurant opportunity in the Pike Lake area.
Listed at $599,000, the offering includes approximately 3,626 square feet of building space on a 0.73-acre parcel. The building dates to approximately 1920 and features two stories.
According to the real estate listing, the sale includes:
- Kitchen equipment and fixtures.
- Tables, chairs and bar stools.
- Barware and glassware.
- Dishes and silverware.
- Outdoor seating with a pergola.
- An accessory building and shed.
- Parking for approximately 47 vehicles.
The property also features a partial view of Pike Lake and underwent renovations in 2023, including a new roof, according to the marketing information.
One important distinction for prospective buyers: The listing is for the real estate and restaurant furnishings and equipment. The restaurant’s business operations, business name and trade name are not included in the offering.
Property listing: 3327 Lake Drive, Hartford, Wisconsin 53027. Asking price: $599,000. MLS No. 1986598.
