The Beehive torch passed once again.

This is a story of love, human kindness, friendship, and community.

Previously we reported, “On January 28, 2023, Hot Springs Village resident Steve Nowak surprised his wife, Judy, with a very unusual gift. The couple was celebrating Judy’s birthday at a local hangout called the ‘Beehive’ when Steve dramatically dropped to his knees and presented Judy with a hand-drawn image of the Beehive emblem before a lively crowd of 65 onlookers. Judy was overwhelmed with love and gratitude when Steve announced that they were the new owners of the establishment.”

Judy enthused, “We love the Beehive and wanted to see it continue, and that is why we purchased it.”

The Beehive is not just a restaurant. it is also a bar and an entertainment venue. “That’s a lot of moving pieces,” said the former owner.

Judy said she and her husband Steve became involved with day-to-day operations at the Beehive in early February, legally owning it since March 1.

On June 20, Judy Nowak said, “We sold the Beehive about a week ago. It wasn’t really what we had planned to do, but we were approached by two different parties to buy the Beehive. I just got to the place where I didn’t want to run a restaurant. I just wanted to own one. So we realized the better solution was to find the right person to buy the Beehive.”

Partnering up with Chefs for Seniors on two events, the Nowak’s liked the way they operated. Chefs for Seniors handled Judy and Steve’s last wine tasting and also catered a ladies luncheon. Judy asked the brother and sister team of Chefs for Seniors if they knew anyone that would be the right fit for the business, not thinking that Tamara and Tim would be interested.

Judy said the new owners plan to add more services and make the Beehive even better. The nice thing about Chefs for Seniors is that they have multiple chefs and people that know how to run a restaurant. “I felt really comfortable selling it to them. The bottom line is Steve and I want the Beehive to stay here for not just us but for everyone. It is really a special place,” shared Judy.

“The new owners knew right off the bat what they were doing and didn’t need any help running it,” said Judy.

Steve and Judy feel like, even though their tenure was short, they accomplished what they wanted, which was to improve and stabilize the business and keep it going. The couple feels that Chefs for Seniors will be able to take the restaurant to the next level.

Judy said the Beehive was a beautiful gift from Steve. “We really enjoyed getting the Beehive on the road to better things.”

With tears in her eyes, Judy shared, “The best part was the outpouring of support, love, and friendship that was demonstrated.”

“We want to thank our many friends that offered to come in and cook, bartend, waitress, hostess, run the website – anything they could think of.”

Some names noted were: Ken Jordan – website help; Mike Cody – accepted deliveries when the Nowak’s were not present; Michael Beaver – refinished five tables; Wanda Johansen – decorated. There were many others who helped the Nowak’s. “Everyone of you has been wonderful.”

Judy and Steve said they have no regrets and it has been a wonderful experience. “My husband was very sweet to give me the Beehive. It was a very precious gift,” stated Judy.

The former restauranter said she loves to live life to the fullest, chairing five groups, is a member of a book club, a girl’s group and a garden club. Steve and Judy plan to spend time traveling and enjoying their large group of friends.

For more information about the Beehive, click here to visit their website.

By Cheryl Dowden