Customers pay final visit to landmark eatery

Source: The Grand Rapids Press
BORCULO -- Saturday at Bohl's Borculo Restaurant was almost like any other day the Ottawa County diner had seen in its 22 years -- almost.

"This is the whole show, folks," owner Vern Bohl mused on the last day the restaurant would welcome customers with its unique atmosphere and hearty food.

The Ottawa County Road Commission in February bought the restaurant at Port Sheldon Street and 96th Avenue. They plan to tear it down so they can realign the intersection.

Standing behind the counter in a green apron, Bohl said he worked from opening to closing all week at the restaurant, which served breakfast starting at 6 a.m.

"We've been too busy to even think about doing anything special (for the last day). It's been phenomenal," he said.

It wasn't uncommon in the last week for people to line up outside, pushing hours past the normal 8 p.m. closing, he said.

"It seems people are coming out of the woodwork, people I haven't seen in 10, 15 years. I guess they're coming to pay their respects," he said.

Longtime manager Lynn Renouf handed out lollipops to Tom and Cindy Beukema's three children as they paid a breakfast bill. Tom Beukema said Cindy grew up in the area, and the family would periodically travel from Allendale to eat at Bohl's.

"It is kind of a landmark here. Just look for Bohl's," he said.

But not for much longer. The county will take possession of the building on Friday and auction off the furnishings June 5.

Al Pruins hopes to buy a round table at the auction.

Sitting around such a table with Bob Driesenga, Andy Machiela and Pete Boer, Pruins said they will have to find another place to gather for breakfast and work breaks.

"We ain't going to be no regulars no more," Driesenga said.

At 53, Bohl said he is too young to retire, but doesn't know what he will be doing next. "The Lord's got something lined up for me," he said. "It's just going to take me awhile to get things figured out."
Source: The Grand Rapids Press