by James H. Huss
The Glenmore Hotel on Big Moose Lake has begun a rebirth after more than a century of operation, with Patrick Duffy becoming its newest owner.
Duffy purchased the hotel from Robert Mueller last spring.
He had spent his summers on Big Moose Lake as a youth.
He later graduated from Clarkson University, earning a degree in Civil Engineering.
“Big Moose Lake has always called me back,” Duffy said.
Duffy has worked in many of the local restaurants including the Glenmore and Big Moose Inn.
He credits his best experiences and learning from his uncles Paul and Mark VanSlyke, who owned the Big Moose Station for twelve years.
“I started there as a kid washing dishes,” Duffy said.
His commute to work will be a short one; he has built his home on the Glenmore Road, just a quick walk from the restaurant.
In speaking of his improvements to the Glenmore, Duffy said, “This has been a bigger undertaking than I expected. The entire roof and front wall of the bar needed to be replaced.”
The upside is that new, larger windows now allow better views of the lake, he said.
Duffy has undertaken wiring and plumbing upgrades, new tap and soft drink systems, and many kitchen upgrades.
Duffy is an active member of the community and a volunteer firefighter.
He is best known for working at Dunn’s Boat Service on Big Moose Lake, most recently as its daily manager.
“Pat was a valuable employee and is greatly missed,” said Ken Hinkley, Dunn’s owner.
Duffy said that his years at Dunn’s taught him about business operations.
“My experiences at Dunn’s were great. Ken taught me well [and] was an invaluable advisor.”
Duffy said his extended family (related and unrelated) has been invaluable too.
His grandparents, Bob and Maureen VanSlyke, have been there every day helping and cleaning along with his parents, sister Erin and many residents that want to see the Glenmore succeed.
He has had neighbors stop in to lend a hand with the many little things.
“One of my neighbors came over and restacked my wood, because the pile was falling over and he felt it needed to be done,” Duffy said.
The Glenmore will be open seven days a week, offering a standard tavern menu with a full menu in the dining room.
“I will have special nights; Wednesdays will be Prime Rib, with of course a fish fry on Friday… There will be rooms to rent as in the past, with upgrades coming along as time permits.”
“I’m in it for the long haul. I am 31 years old and Big Moose is my home,” Duffy said.