Future of lakeside tavern featured in ‘Dutton Ranch’ threatened, supporters say
A popular Lake Weatherford bar and restaurant — which was recently featured in a TV series — could be in danger of closing as the city of Weatherford considers overhauling the lake’s marina.
The marina property, which includes a beach, boat slips, a bait shop, a crappie house and the bar, Tavern on the Lake, is owned by the city and leased to Randy Plyler, a Weatherford Realtor and businessman, under an operating agreement.
Plyler recently received notice that the city’s Municipal Utility Board was considering ending the agreement for most of the operations. Plyler could continue running the tavern, but his friends say it would be difficult to sustain that business without the other revenue streams.
The Star-Telegram’s Bud Kennedy visited Tavern on the Lake in 2024 and gave the food high marks. This month, the tavern made a cameo in the third episode of “Dutton Ranch,” a television spinoff of Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone.”
So far, 3,677 people have signed a petition asking the city of Weatherford to reconsider its plans. City spokesperson Erin Spicer said Plyler’s contract will be discussed during executive session at today’s Municipal Utility Board meeting. Until the board takes official action, Spicer couldn’t comment on possible outcomes.
The utility board meets at noon in the city council chambers at Weatherford City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St.
Spicer did say the city wanted to add a hike-and-bike trail and make other improvements to Lake Weatherford that would benefit the public.
Plyler shared a statement with the Star-Telegram on behalf of his wife, Sheila, and himself that reads as follows:
“I’m grateful for the support from those who have made their voices heard. Sheila and I are proud to call Weatherford home, both as residents and business owners, and we’re hopeful we and the city can reach a path forward that serves this community.”
Among those expected to speak at the city’s Municipal Utility Board meeting today are members of the Parker County Pickers guitar group, whose members regularly meet at Tavern on the Lake.
One of those members, Darryl Ross, provided the Star-Telegram with an advance copy of his prepared remarks for the meeting.
“Randy and Sheila do not simply run a business at the lake,” Ross wrote. “They serve as a vital community partner, and they are a genuine blessing to Weatherford and to the whole of the Parker County community.”
Ross plans to ask the Municipal Utility Board to “weigh carefully what is at stake” for everyone involved, from the Plylers to those who have found a place of belonging at Tavern on the Lake.