It is the only one left... this building on Lake Street shows the hotel under the name of Hotel Vexio, but for a majority of years, it was called the Commercial Hotel owned by Nels Olson, and had been in operation from the early 1900's. It was always a place for people to gather for food, beverages, lodging and entertainment. Today, it is know as the Forest Laker.
E.F. Finnegan (bought in 1931) continued to run the hotel very much as his predecessor.
First liquor license - on February 1, 1934. Forest Lake Village Council issued the first liquor license since prohibition to Finnegan.
Ernie Millette brought the Commercial Hotel into more modern times. The original bar with brass rail and cuspidor was replaced by the art deco bar that exists today. And, in the dining room, patrons ordered expertly prepared steak and chicken dinners. Millette built an addition on the rear of the building called the Rainbow Room. Its first use was for bingo games, banquet dances and later a six-lane bowling alley.
Hector Pepin purchased the Commercial Hotel and bowling alley (1946-1964). One major change was to discontinue serving food.
Dexter Gillette (1966) followed the Pepin ownership. Instead of bowling, once again dances took place, and food was served in the Rainbow Room. Pat Donahue and Novotny were the next owners.
The Forest Laker Tradition Begins in 1971
Lenny Kuznie and Jerry Jasicki (1971-1978) did a complete remodeling and made the dining room attractive and cozy with prime, ribs and chicken as featured items. Banquets were served and music played in the former bowling alley. "The Forest Laker" gained the reputation of "THE PLACE FOR FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND ENTERTAINMENT".
There were several years after the original "Forest Laker" ownership and a succession of owners and different names, such as Don Kristner, Fred and Frank Maclaus. We chuckled at the names "Starvin' Marvin" and "Harveys"
Rose Ortt... Rose's on main (1990-1991) gave the interior a new fresh look, new furniture, new menu, dart board, pool table, a small dance floor and entertainment again. She had a long-range plan to remodel the hotel rooms into apartments.
Bo Bogotty... Fast Eddy's (1991-1996) brought live bands, attitude check, quarter beers, Wednesday the great steak night, the giant taco, bikini review and a reputation for a fast crowd. The kitchen now only open part time and the upstairs gutted but never re-opened.
The Forest Laker Tradition continues...
On Friday the 13th 1996, new owners, the Paidar's emerged with a dream of returning to the Commercial Hotel and "Forest Laker's " roots as THE PLACE FOR THE BEST FOOD, BEVERAGE AND ENTERTAINMENT when the familiar cocktail lighted glass above the "Forest Laker" name reappears.
The interior was remodeled to create a new dining area separate from the bar, dance floor and game room. The kitchen remodeled and re_opened with an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu offering past "Forest Laker" dinner favorites - Prime, Steaks, Ribs, Shrimp, and Walleye, and always great beverages.
The tradition lives on with the Paidar's 2005 redevelopment and vision for the ultimate entertainment center situated in the oldest hotel building still standing. "The Laker" art deco bar remains, and renovation of the old upper level hotel space to create a new game room, sports bar, 4 season porch and deck overlooking the lake. The previous lower level dining room converted into "The Office", a '40's style ladies and gentlemen's cocktail lounge, and sunken garden patio with waterfall. The new smoke-free "Forest Laker Lakeside Dining Room" added to the main level offering sunrise breakfasts, upscale lunches, and distinctive sunset dinners with fabulous lake views.
Our story covers over 100 years, but the Commercial and Forest Laker has truly returned to its tradition. As Paidar says..."FOR THE BEST FOOD, FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT, COME ON DOWN TO THE FOREST LAKER"