our history
Mark Bayer developed the idea of a lakeside restaurant and bar in the late 1970s, after his success with opening the popular restaurant 'Alexanders' (with business partners at the time, Charlie McGlamry and Richard Tritt) on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins, After months of construction, the facility opened as, 'Fritzwillys'. Very simply, the name of the restaurant came from the name on a bottle of wine.
'Fritzwillys' became an instant hit with patrons from all around middle Georgia, especially those who lived on Leisure Lake and visited on their pontoon boats. The cedar timber construction, along with reclaimed brick and the historic grindstone out front, gives the building a timeless warmth and beauty. (Who can forget the huge Frtizwillys' Moose above the bar?) Because the building was built on a swamp, and to get the best view of Leisure Lake, it rests on thirty-foot pilings, so it sits on the bedrock beneath. Fritzwillys often hosted local and national bands, such as THE DRIFTERS and BERTIE HIGGINS to name a few.
In the late 1980s, Mark's love for good seafood motivated him to renovate the building and re-opened it as 'Schooner's Restaurant'. Known as one of the premier venues in town for great food, entertainment, and atmosphere (they even had huge aquariums of exotic fish for its patrons to enjoy), Schooner's Seafood Restaurant quickly became a local landmark and hosted countless receptions, proms, and special events. The lake view and beautiful sunsets made it "THE" 'Go To' place for first dates and even marriage proposals.
The 1990s saw a change of ownership, another renovation, and reopening, this time with the name, 'Dock of the Bay'. With beach volleyball, Saturday afternoon cookouts, and fantastic nightlife, 'Dock of the Bay' earned a reputation as the 'funnest' place in town.
Since the turn of the century, ownership has changed at least twice. From 2000- 2002, The building became home to a memorable authentic Mexican food restaurant, El Molino Viejo (The Old Mill). And, in 2010 and 2011, The Catfish House gained fame for its packed parking lot and delicious fish and shrimp.
We hope to continue the tradition by making this a great place for friends and family to gather!