by Nathan Bechtold

The Lake’s skyline is changing. Among the abundant, rolling hills and sheer cliffs, several prominent developments are rising, as crews labor on some of the biggest projects this place has ever seen. Here’s what’s on the horizon for 2026 and beyond…

Tucker’s New Place (name TBA)

George Tucker doesn’t know when to quit. And that’s a good thing.

One of the most prolific restaurant developers at the Lake, Tucker’s foray into building — or rebuilding — restaurants began in 2007, when he bought Paradise with his brother. “I was right out of college. It was a failing business before, and I was just stupid enough to get involved because I thought it’d be cool,” he said. “We fought that thing for a couple of years,” he mused, noting the restaurant finally became profitable, and then he started buying and building more.

So he built Tucker’s Shuckers in 2014… bought Franky & Louie’s in 2016… opened The Malted Monkey in 2020… and bought Beaver’s at the Dam, renovated it, and reopened it as Neon Taco in 2021. Then, in late 2023, Tucker began a major excavation project on the lot between Neon Taco and Bagnell Dam. He soon announced his plans: a five-level entertainment complex and restaurant, with the original hope of opening in mid-2025.

That date has, of course, come and gone, and as of this writing, there’s still quite a bit of work left to do. Tucker acknowledged the development hit some unexpected delays. But he says work is back on track and the venue could open in late-2026. It’s the largest project he’s ever developed, and he says it’ll be well-worth the wait.