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Editor’s note: This article originally published in Coosa Currents. Copies are available at The Clanton Advertiser office, 1109 Seventh Street N in Clanton. 

By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Things are looking a little different this season at Lake Mitchell Marina and Grille as new owner Aaron Sims gets up to speed. Sims purchased the marina last March and spent the off season doing some renovations. A frequent visitor to the lake from California, Sims, who has extensive experience in the corporate business world, had dreamed of owning the marina as a way to live in his version of paradise. Sims would come to visit his brother at Lake Mitchell and developed a love for the place. “

Every time I would come to visit my brother, we would come in here for a burger, just watch people having fun, and it was a small family type operation and I just saw myself running it,” Sims said.

It was a dream that he kept to himself until the time was right. His brother let him know when the marina was up for sale, and he jumped at the chance.

“Supporting people when they are having fun is fun in itself,” Sims said.

A soft opening for this year was held the first weekend in April, and the full menu will be available at the grill by April 15. A few of the menu items will be catfish, burgers, pizza, steak and other seafood. Steak and more seafood are items Sims added after response from customers. Desserts, beer and wine are also offered. He wants to continue the fun atmosphere that he always enjoyed.

“I wanted to continue the dining on the lake, that was important because it is the only restaurant on the lake and that is just a continuation to providing the service,” Sims said.

The marina has a number of dining options with tables inside and out on the porch with a view of the lake.

His new logo features a fish and cutlery.

“I wanted to tie in fishing and the act that there was dining here,” Sims said.

Sims said he is enjoying the opportunities for fishing and hunting that are offered on and near Lake Mitchell.

Sims has enjoyed fishing since he was a child. Lake Mitchell is a good spot for those wanting to catch bass, catfish and crappie.

“The crappie are awesome,” Sims said. “People love the crappie.”

Adding water recreation rentals is in the near future for the marina.  Sims plans on having boat and jet ski rentals with the possibility of expanding the water recreation equipment offered.

Live bait will also be added to the list of what the marina sells.

The marina will continue to offer gasoline.

Enjoying the lake and helping others to be able to enjoy it is Sims version of paradise.