The Original Margaritaville opens with new management, new look

topey@sanduskyregister.comThis is the new Original Margaritaville — under new management and newly remodeled.Not one room was left without attention.The dining room with its spectacular views is the original grain storage facility that was attached to an 1831 grist mill."People used to grind their grain here and socialize, now they drink grain here and socialize," said new principal owner Tim Higdon, of Entertainment Restaurants.He has been a restaurateur for 25 years. He owns Cleats Club Seat Grille in Marblehead and is a franchisee for Danny Boy's in North Canton and a couple in the Cleveland area.When asked why he chose to add Margaritaville to his lineup of restaurants, he looked around and gestured."Look at it," Higdon said.Original stonework walls that are over 150 years old are proudly featured throughout the restaurant.It now has new floors and furniture with modern lighting for a comfortable yet warm dining experience while still enjoying the same amazing view.The back dining room showcases the iconic Margaritaville waterfall cascade, where 72 million gallons of water flow everyday from Castalia's Blue Hole. This is the same waterfall that powered the grist mill.That waterfall is the focal point of Margaritaville's dining room and outdoor deck.The outdoor deck, which seats 300 people, now has a deck kitchen serving hamburgers, freshly made smoked meats and sandwiches.Higdon and general manager Brian Clark are very proud of those smoked meats, such as ribs, chicken, pulled pork, bratwurst, brisket and more.Clark shows off the new Traeger smoker.It is huge — holding 200 half-chickens or 600 pounds of brisket.Food has a new attitude at Margaritaville.It has a revamped menu, keeping the popular Mexican food items like tacos, chimichangas, fajitas and more while pulling off others.It then diversified the food options by adding a couple of styles of hamburgers and cheeseburgers — Cuban, shrimp and bacon stack.A section of the menu is dedicated to the smoked meats.It was important to Higdon and Clark that they used the freshest ingredients. When possible, they try to use local sources.They have also created some new handcrafted cocktails, such as cucumber cilantro or strawberry siracha margaritas which now appear on the drink menu.Go to http://www.themargaritavilleonline.com to see the new menu.Higdon wants the new Original Margaritaville to cater to and meet the needs of locals, tourists, bikers and families alike.The Original Margaritaville212 Fremont Ave., Sandusky419-627-8903Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Friday and Saturdaywww.themargaritavilleonline.comDaily Specials$4 Margarita Mondays$1 Taco Tuesday$4 Burger Wednesdays$9.99 Steak ThursdayAll-you-can-eat fish FridaysA few special events at MargaritavilleMay 2Margaritaville deck kickoffMay 29-June 7Ohio Bike Week with various entertainment all weekAug. 29JDRF/ABATE Fundraiser to fight juvenile diabetesOct. 3Wounded Warriors clam bake fundraiserRegister photo/ANGELA WILHELM Margaritaville has been revamped and is ready for this season.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Heather Braden, assistant manager of Margaritaville, prepares two taco meals Wednesday.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Brian Clark, general manager of Margaritaville, and the company's new meat smoker Wednesday.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Heather Braden, assistant manager of Margaritaville, makes a batch of fresh tortilla chips Wednesday.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Margaritaville has new floors, furniture and lighting.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Brian Clark, left, general manager, and Tim Higdon, the new owner of the revamped Margaritaville Wednesday.