GREEN TWP. − Tracy Townsend leaned over a table, wiping it down with a cloth just before the newly rebranded Junipers Restaurant just outside of Orrville opened for lunch.
As the general manager of the now-rebranded restaurant at The Pines Golf Club, Townsend is proud of the modernized space and the new menus he helped craft.
“Everyone who comes in here is amazed by the transformation,” Townsend said. “Even customers from The Pines (Restaurant) like the redesign.”
While The Pines Golf Club remains under the ownership of the Howard Wenger family, the club’s restaurant and banquet hall are now operated by Sayre Hospitality Group.
Golfing alternatives: Golfers head to surrounding courses after closure of Hawk’s Nest and Mohican Hills
A deal was struck between the original owners and Sayre Hospitality in November that gave the latter the authority to revamp the banquet hall and the then-closed restaurant, said Kimberly Siracuse, director of human resources and customer service at Sayre.
In the ensuing months, the two underwent renovations, being renamed the Junipers Restaurant and the White Oak Event Center.
Junipers Restaurant is now open for business alongside its event center counterpart.
A new business relationship at The Pines
The Smithville-based hospitality group is not new to the area.
With roots dating back to 1981, the company owns a number of Wayne County businesses, including the Greystone Event Center, Village Catering Company and Sam’ Pizza and Heroes.
Now added to that list are the White Oak Event Center and Junipers Restaurant.