A prominent local hospitality management firm will help launch and operate downtown Eau Claire’s newest lodging and dining establishment, The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely restaurant. “We are honored to be asked to contribute to the success of this project that is so important to the Chippewa Valley,” said Thomas Larson, president of Larson Companies. The firm already operates the Holiday Inn and Clarion hotels in Eau Claire, Staybridge Suites in Altoona, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Green Mill Restaurant, as well as other properties.

The Oxbow, 516 Galloway St., is a 30-room boutique-style hotel that is set to open this fall. It features rooms in two buildings: the Main House, which has a 1940s-era character with a modern lakeside twist, and The Flats, a mid-century modern-style building next door which opens on a courtyard featuring outdoor seating, fire pits, and a lawn designed for kubb.

The rooms will feature locally made urban wood furniture, locally created art, record turntables, woolen blankets, and other elements that will create a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. Meanwhile, the hotels restaurant and bar, The Lakely, will provide farm to table Midwest modern comfort food and craft cocktails, plus performances by local and touring musicians and the opportunity for private events. The hotel and restaurant are owned by a group of local investors led by Nick Meyer, Ben Richgruber, Justin Vernon, and Zach Halmstad. The Oxbow is currently hiring in anticipation of its upcoming launch. To learn more about job opportunities, visit the Oxbow Hotel website and The Lakely website.