Photo by Chad Koenen
Brent Lorenz, who is a 1987 graduate from Bertha-Hewitt High School, has recently purchased the Woodshed Bar and Grill in Ottertail. He is looking forward to getting back into the restaurant business and being a part of the greater Ottertail community.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Brent Lorenz has a passion for creating great food that can leave a lasting impression for everyone who walks through the doors of one of his restaurants. After spending the better part of his life in the restaurant industry, Lorenz enjoys the opportunity to see the faces of his customers as they take a bite into one of his unique dishes and offerings as they get away from life for a while.

“It’s fund to see people come in and enjoy our food and enjoy themselves,” said the 1987 Bertha-Hewitt High School graduate.

Earlier this month, Lorenz officially purchased the Woodshed Bar and Grill in the heart of Ottertail. After spending most of his life in the restaurant industry, including previously owning both Sidestreet and Isabella’s in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Lorenz has spent about a decade away from the restaurant industry. As a result, he is looking forward to the chance to get back into the industry with his latest business venture.

“I’m a people person. It feels really good to be back in the business,” he said. 

Though the Bertha-Hewitt alum admitted when he graduated from high school he wanted to get far away from home, “but as you get older you appreciate home a bit more,” he said. 

While much of the food will remain the same, at least for now, Lorenz said he is planning to bring a few new twists to local favorites. The long-time restaurateur is planning to add a rib sandwich to the menu with his special BBQ sauce and he is also planning to locally source as many of the items on the menu as he can. 

As he looks ahead to the future, Lorenz is planning a number of activities outdoors next summer, including live music as he tries to utilize the vast grounds of the Woodshed and bring something fun to the community.

“We are looking forward to it (being a part of Ottertail),” he said.

The Woodshed Bar and Grill is open Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and is located at 211 W Main St. in Ottertail for dine in and take out. For more information, visit www.woodshedbarandgrill.com or call (218) 367-2810.