For those of you who have boated on the western basin of Lake Erie the Islands of Kellys and Put In Bay have become synomamous with partying and boating. The Casino on Kellys Island has for many years carried the repuation proudly of being "OFFSHORE HEADQUARTERS".As we know things change through time and $$$$. Yesterday the Casino was sold to a local businessman. The name of the landmark establishment was changed immediatley.

Very good long time friends of mine operated the restaurant and marina for almost 10 years. It had become a favorite gathering spot for all of the performance boats and other good friends alike. This was our "CHEERS" hangout. New ownership means new management, a new disposition and a new era has began.

I would like to thank Lee and Kathy Zeinert for being the good friends they have been and will continue to be. From our group we all love you.

WOW !...That sucks.....What a first class operation they had...The "eye candy" in that basin was always outstanding

That's the end of an era.
The Casino was always one of my favorite hangouts. From early morning breakfast to late night drinks. Lee and crew were always the "Class of the Lake".
Most all of my fondest memories of boating on Lake Erie one way or another have involved the Casino.
From Falling off the stern of Rice Hauler IV with the whole outside bar watching. To pulling in on the first leg of the Offshore Alley Poker Run in Rice Hauler V and having the Dock Jocks talk the Water Patrol Officer out of giving me a ticket. (it always pays to tip the help).
Lee and kathy You're the best.
Good Luck and GodSpeed.
Robert Shin
a.k.a. Rice Hauler

Had to do some looking around.
But I think that this is a great way to sum up a lot of what made the Casino the place to go.
A little Old School mixed with some New School.
That's a earlier Cig 35 Mistress owned by a great friend of ours Jack and Linda Oberrath.
Jack shot this pic one afternoon in the fall I think. But that back Bar and Deck that overlooks the basin was really the best place in the world to meet and greet and watch and drink a few while the boats and babes came in like flies to honey.
Best,
Rice Hauler.

Don't you just love places like that? Hopefully new owners will be ok.

Are they still open, or remodeling?

Yes they will be missed. But hopfully the new owners will be ok. I was not so luckey on the ticket situation(maybe I dident tip enough) but it's all good!!

Tis, what ticket for?

Yes this is truly sad news

We spent the night Saturday and you would of never known the place had changed if you did not know the former management. I hope they keep it this way but will not hold my breath. The girl at the Tiki bar has some big shoes to fill and was doing her best to make that happen.

I hope that Lee + Kathy find something else (less stressful) on the Island to keep them busy we also consider them friends and would hate to see them leave.

Did they actually change the name? or just ownership?

Scott + Mary

According to sources the new name is "Kellys Island Restaurant and Bar". I believe it will be changed again soon. In my assumption the place will be leased out to somebody else to operate. Best guess is "The Hairy Buffalo". Just a guess folks based on somebody else's opinion. I have no foundation of fact.

The person who owns the Ferry line to Kellys, owns the West Bay and Seaway marina purchased the Casino.

Mr. Rob, your boat looks good in that pic.