Anchors away at A’Boat Time Restaurant

Jennifer Much

Contributor

April 21, 2023

STURGEON BAY – Decked out in locally made nautical decor, anchor motif and tables designed to look like the inside of a ship, the A’Boat Time Restaurant (26 E. Oak St.) is making big waves in Sturgeon Bay.

Owners Stephen Homan and Danielle Hall recently acquired the property on Oak Street. 

Formerly Hot Tamales, Homan said discussions with the building’s previous tenants quickly led to a sale.

“It just fell into our laps,” he said.

Originally from Florida, the duo said they wanted to give the community a new, lively spot to grab a bite to eat.

“Door County is absolutely beautiful,” Hall said. “I call it my little Florida with the peninsula and all the water on all sides of us.”

Finding a fitting business name was next on their list and the shipyard across the bridge, sans a little humor, provided extra inspiration.

“I was looking up boat puns and “A’Boat Time in a Wisconsin accent seemed right,” Homan said.

Seasoned in the industry
Prior to relocating to Door County, Homan said he traveled across the coast gaining valuable skills within many facets of the restaurant industry.

“I started as a young man working at a diner as a busboy and dishwasher,” he said.

As he got older, Homan said he moved up the chain by serving tables, working as a line cook, spending time as a prep to many sous chefs and managing kitchens.

“I have a wide variety of different cuisines I can offer,” he said.

Homan said his partner, Danielle, brings structure and financial smarts to the business through her ample background in the corporate world.

Now as budding entrepreneurs, the restaurant is a new course on the horizon for Homan and Hall.

“The community has been tons of support for us,” Hall said. “We have made so many new friends on our new adventure.”

Around the restaurant, Hall said there are artwork pieces sourced from local farmers’ markets as well as cloud light covers adding to the ambiance.

“It’s clean and inviting,” she said. “Everyone also loves the big Captain’s table in the middle of the room – we get compliments all the time.”

Popular menu
Paired with a coastal-like atmosphere and a golf simulator, Homan said the food is what really floats customers’ boats.

“I wanted to bring something to Sturgeon Bay I didn’t see on any menus,” he said. “I came up with a menu to invite the community with cheesesteaks.”

//tbnapp.cdn.bubble.io/f1682083138448x405701887892631740/richtext_content.webpStephen Holman and Danielle Hall recently opened A’Boat Time Restaurant at 26 E. Oak St. In Sturgeon Bay. Jennifer Much Photo

Homan said one of the most popular selections – The Skipper Dipper – includes thinly sliced ribeye, onions, mushrooms, provolone cheese and a side of au jus.

Homan said diners can also customize their own sandwich with their desired toppings, cheeses, meats and spreads.
“The cheesesteaks are messy and delicious and you can’t put them down,” he said.

Homan said boneless wings, dubbed Bobbers, are also available.

“I’m a huge fan and love all of the sauces – especially mixing them together to make my own Spicy Garlic BBQ,” Hall said.

Homan said wet sauces come in more than 20 zesty flavors like Mild Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and smoky Bourbon BBQ, or more fiery dips like Ship Yard Deadline, Hot Sweet Chili and Mango Habanero.

As warmer weather continues to drift closer, Homan said there’s lots of excitement in store at A’ Boat Time, including plans for live music and a Hot Wing Eating Contest.

“We’re also working on some outdoor seating for summer and cool street art on the exterior,” he said. “It will be worth the stop.”

In addition to wings and cheesesteaks, Homan said the restaurant offers daily specials along with soups, fresh salads and filling wraps – with something for everyone.

He said the restaurant also serves up an array of beverages, including juice, coffee, lemonade, sweet tea, locally and nationally sourced beers and a wine collection.

A’ Boat Time is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.