If you’ve ever driven through Kelseyville, chances are you might have stopped at the Saw Shop Public House for a bite to eat. Built in 1931, what now stands as a restaurant and pub was originally a private home bought from a Sears Roebuck catalog. It served as the residence for several Kelseyville families until it was converted to Cooke’s Saw Shop & Paint Store in the ‘70s.
In early 2000, Marie Beery bought the property and converted it into the Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro. Known for its tasty bites and ambiance, community members quickly made this their go-to gathering spot. The Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro soon became the heart of the community.
Weston Seifert was not only a frequent customer at the bistro but also worked there from 2008 to 2011. “The location, the building’s rich history, and the way Marie took care of her staff and community captured my heart,” explained Weston. So when the opportunity came for new ownership, he knew he couldn’t turn down the chance to continue the Saw Shop’s legacy.
After negotiating a deal with Marie, it was important to Weston to continue the success of the Saw Shop. With a supportive team behind him, Weston doubled down on making the Saw Shop a welcoming space for the community.
In 2019, Weston renamed the business the Saw Shop Public House to mirror its role in the community more accurately. "It made sense for it to be called a ‘public house’ which is actually just an old term for a Pub," said Seifert. The name would grow to represent Weston’s dream of a place where locals can gather, laugh, and relax together.
The year 2022 marked a pivotal chapter in the Saw Shop’s story. Through a partnership with North Edge Financing—formerly known as the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)—the Saw Shop added an outdoor bar and dining area in response to the lack of outdoor dining options in town. Over St. Patrick's Day weekend this year, the Saw Shop plans to unveil the Saw Shop Backyard, a 20-stool firepit, and a live music pavilion, with a food trailer. "It’s been a fantastic working relationship with the team over at AEDC [North Edge Financing]," says Weston, grateful for the support that helped bring his vision to life.
Looking ahead, the Saw Shop Public House is more than just a place to grab a bite—it's a testament to what we can achieve together. In Kelseyville, where places like the Saw Shop Public House are few and far between, the Saw Shop Backyard is set to be a special place where good times are had, and memories are made.
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