Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge celebrates joining the community with ribbon cutting ceremony

Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge is open for business and ready to serve and entertain. Not only does the new location offer authentic German drinks and cuisine, but simulated games, including golf, soccer, and more.

After celebrating its grand opening in July, Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge cemented its place in the Valparaiso community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 4. While the grand opening celebration was exactly that, the ribbon cutting ceremony was a way of thanking the community for welcoming the co-owners into the downtown area.

“The ribbon cutting is an extra little thank you — please come join us,” said co-founder Tatjana Hess. “It’s a huge thank you to the community for all the support we’ve received, especially from the chamber members and everyone there.”

Traditional German music filled the air both indoors and outdoors, with performers playing wooden alphorns. Eager attendees weren’t kept waiting outside too long, as Hess and her fiancé, fellow co-founder Alec Emmons, stepped outside to unravel the ribbon. The pair stood alongside employees, as well as Emmons’ mother, Stacy, who has also played a key role in bringing the two-year effort together.

“It’s been a long journey,” Emmons said. “We’re finally here, and it feels surreal. Thank you all so much. We couldn’t have done it without everybody.”

After cutting the ribbon, both customers and attendees filled the building to browse menus, take a seat at the bar, and look at what games they’ll be playing at the new location. Hess and Emmons have prior experience with running a simulated entertainment business, but the restaurant portion is a new addition.

Hess and Emmons lived out west for a number of years before deciding to move back to the area. They wondered how they might bring the golf lodge with them.

“We spoke to the city and pitched them the idea. They said, ‘That sounds awesome. We’d love to have a restaurant, too,’” Hess said.

The city’s proposition was the perfect opportunity, as Hess has always dreamed of owning a German restaurant, and the perfect building was up for grabs. With renovations completed by Chester Inc., Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge is in the perfect location to suit their needs. With enough room for games, simulated golf and other sports, as well as space to dine or enjoy the variety on menu.

The ribbon cutting signified the beginning of not only Hess’s dream, but all the dedication it has taken to get Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge to where it is today.

“There’s something for everyone to do,” said Tony Hart, a sales engineer at Chester Inc. “The whole family can come, or you can drop by and shoot golf by yourself.”

Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge is shaping up to be a new hotspot in downtown Valparaiso. From delicious meals to a night of fun, there’s something for everyone. Luckily, Alpen Haus takes reservations.

To book yours, or learn more about Alpen Haus & The Golf Lodge, visit alpenhaus.online.