In spite of overpriced gas and increased inflation, people are flocking to the lake this summer. Businesses are enjoying increased activities during this peak season while enduring supply issues, but most of all finding people who want to work which is the trend across the country.
Despite the economic situation, existing businesses have upgraded their operations or have sold to new owners who are making improvements. New enterprises have also emerged at the lake. A random survey reveals that local services are growing. Like the mythical bird, the phoenix, Sandy Creek Marine- PK Branch burned to the ground in the spring of 2022 and rose out of the ashes to become Possum Kingdom Marine with brand new facilities. Manager Clint Burkett is pleased with his new building. Like other lake operations his biggest challenge is getting new inventory, parts, and finding willing workers. Hide-Away Cabins and Inn have new owners. Sam’s Dock is now The Dock offering gas, boat rentals, charter boat trips, boat cleaning and detailing, valet service, Boat/RV storage, and convenience items. Owners of PK General Store, Chad and Nicole Morrill have just celebrated their first anniversary at the entrance to Sportsman’s World. Calvin Daigle, marina manager at Patterson PK Marina and associate Dale Howard tells me they have a full load of customers as they concentrate on their gas dock and boat stall rental activities. Groves Mechanical has been at the lake since 1966. Kevin Groves and his staff are doing their best to keep up with the demand for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC while waiting for parts and equipment. Lush Resort, was once the location of Scuba Point The resort and grill became a private club due to the pandemic, but has stayed full this summer according to owners Bo and Gee Bennett. PK One Stop’s new owners have included fried chicken on their menu this year. Petey’s RV Resort is a new upscale RV park with a new marina coming soon. The resort looked filled with fancy RVs of all sizes before the week of the Fourth of July and during the fireworks show at Hell’s Gate on July 9. Masters Cleaners of Graham has opened a laundry drop off and pick up site at the former First State Bank branch office at FM 2353. Fabulous Finds, the largest gift, apparel, and décor store on the lake reported brisk business this summer. Many of the local places to eat are now music venues also. Hemmingway’s Craft House at Scenic Cove offers boat side pizza delivery We also have a wine bar on FM2353 called Cork & Tap on the Brazos. East side favorite Trading Post Grocery was swamped as usual with folks preparing for the Fourth of July holiday week while Kerri French’s Best Side Mercantile and Possum’s Corner at west PK continued to grow in popularity by providing a variety of items including convenience items, groceries, fresh produce, meat, beverages, bait, tackle, gas, marine and RV supplies, and outdoor camping gear. Crystal at the Possum Kingdom State Park Store and Marina said business is brisk due to the park being filled with visitors and boaters coming off the lake. The store has items most needed by park visitors and a menu of sandwiches, burgers, chicken strips, onion rings, ice cream, and snow cones. They also have the largest selection of lake t-shirts and souvenirs on the lake. Rock Creek Camp and RV Resort has been reborn with updated lake cabins, a reunion hall, and a new convenience store. The camp is located on the north end of the lake, but the easiest way to find it is to look for the giant Texas flag waving in the breeze.
The newest and coolest business to open recently is The Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop located next door to the Trading Post. Giovanni, PK’s ice cream guy and his family moved to the lake recently from Colorado and were looking for a family business. He felt spiritually led to find a community to be a part of and to raise his family. It didn’t take long for him to find out the favorite cool treat in Texas is Blue Bell Ice Cream. He contacted Blue Bell Creamery to get set up serving hand dipped cones and cups of the most popular flavors. Coffee, fountain drinks, chocolate malts, ice cream and waffle plates are also on the menu with new items coming soon. He has the ice cream supply and he has willing workers who happen to be his family. Plans are to include proceeds from tips to go to youth outreach programs at the lake.
