It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Kelly and Yvonne McGuire, the new owners of the Trout Farm Inn.
A month ago, the Boulder Creek residents were the contented owners of five Subway franchises, spending time with their five adult daughters , when they spotted a “for lease” sign on one of the most historical institutions in the San Lorenzo Valley.
The venerable Trout Farm Inn building at 7701 E. Zayante Road needed a new owner.
“We saw that sign, and 15 minutes later, we were at home and (researching) on the computer,” Kelly McGuire said. “We’ve always wanted to do something like this.”
“We’ve worked in this business our whole lives,” he added. “Subway was good to us — it made this possible — but this is more us.”
The McGuires sold their stake in Subway and signed the lease June 1. In just 10 days, the Trout Farm’s pool and poolside Burger Shack were open, sporting new tiles, new deck chairs and a fresh coat of paint.
“We deserve some kind of award for that,” Kelly McGuire said. “We worked really hard — 18 hour days.”
Working their way in from the pool, the McGuires have plans to restore the welcoming ambience that accompanied the 64-year-old attraction in its heyday.
“We believe this is the jewel of the San Lorenzo Valley,” Kelly McGuire said. “We want to restore the charm of this place.”
He said he is working with a newly hired chef to prepare a menu that will showcase steaks, prime rib and seafood, in addition to pub-style food, all accompanied by local wines and beers.
“As much as possible, we want to do things locally here,” he said.
Kelly McGuire said he envisions the Trout Farm as a “family-friendly place where people can come for dinner or just to spend the day.”
“We’re not a dive bar,” he said. “We’re a family place.”
The McGuires also plan to restore one of the Trout Farm’s biggest attractions: the trout.
As soon as the foot bridge to the fishing pond can be repaired, Kelly McGuire said, he plans to stock the pond with trout and catfish for prospective anglers. Any fish that’s caught there can be taken up to the restaurant and prepared by the kitchen staff, he said.
“So many people have stopped by, saying, ‘I came here as a kid,’” he said. “We’re trying to bring that back.”
In addition to the pool facilities, the new owners plan to host tailgate events for the 49ers football, season as well as weekly Friday-night karaoke.
A grand-opening luau is being planned for the Fourth of July weekend.
“This place is very special,” Kelly McGuire said. “This is a resort — there’s nowhere else like this here.”
At a glance
WHAT: Trout Farm Inn
WHERE: 7701 E. Zayante Road, in Felton
INFO: 335-4317
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