The story behind the vision and development of Evandy's Boatel

For those of you that remember the Boatel in Naples, Illinois you may remember it for the sunsets while dining on catfish, or watching your children pick up shells from the rivers edge after a Sunday lunch. Whatever your memory may be one thing is for sure The Boatel on the river in Naples, Illinois was once the site of many wonderful memories for families  all over Central Illinois. After a devastating  fire destroyed the restaurant in November of 1991 many wondered if dining on the river would ever be a possibility again.
   
  However, in the Spring of 2007 Eric Van Gundy,  a local farmer, pursued the idea of purchasing the land where the iconic Naples  Boatel Restaurant once stood. After a very informal meeting with long time friends Charlie and Nancy Evans, Eric approached them with the idea of investing in this property.  Needless to say once their meeting had commenced it was very apparent to the three of them that purchasing the land and building what will soon be Evandy's Boatel was exactly their vision.  This came in part from an overwhelming response from the community wanting to  once again dine on the river like they had so many years ago. 
   
  The following months would include the process of clearing the land, purchasing  permits, hiring architects, and finalizing plans to put the construction of the New Evandy's Boatel into motion. After many meetings and planning the vision was finally starting to become a reality. Everyone involved is truly excited to be apart of such a wonderful experience in creating this dynamic vision and bring back the sunsets to family dinners once again.