While growth at Lake Anna speeds up, The Cove slows it down. And for this pillar business, the rapid pace of development only strengthens its foundation as an anchor in the community. The Cove Restaurant runs on an easygoing philosophy of enjoying each moment; painting a picture of what “lake life” really means.

“Everything is at a slower pace here,” said Suzie Squiers, owner of Hunter’s Landing and The Cove Restaurant. “Every day the sun is out, there’s a beautiful sunset to enjoy. Our goal is to make sure that as Lake Anna grows, we keep things positive and stay true to that feeling of being on ‘lake time’ without taking those sunsets for granted.” But Squiers didn’t set out to own one of Lake Anna’s longest-standing dining and marina destinations. In fact, her journey to The Cove Restaurant began with a leap of faith and a bold career pivot in 2016. After two decades of commuting long hours, and feeling the pull of home and family, she took the plunge.

“I wanted to be home with my kids and around family more,” Squiers recalls. “I was working so hard for other people, and it just made sense to make the career change. It was more like jumping off a cliff than anything.”

Going into its tenth year, Squiers’ decision has not only shaped her family’s life – but also become an anchor for the Lake Anna community. As everything around the lake rapidly changes and develops, The Cove will always remain a hub for connection and community – a place where experiences will always be “on lake time.”“We wanted a place where everyone felt

welcome, where people could come together no matter what part of the lake they’re from,” she explains. “The people here care about each other, and we’ve worked hard to create a space where that community spirit thrives.”

Whether it’s the annual fireworks display on the Fourth of July, Christmas parades, or hosting community-wide events, The Cove brings neighbors together for moments of shared joy and connection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Squiers and her team even organized proms for local high school students when schools couldn’t, creating cherished memories for kids across multiple counties.

“Our goal is always to make memories and create situations that make people’s lives better,” Squiers shares. “From helping neighbors during snowstorms to hosting charity events, it’s all about taking care of the people around you.”

And for her, it’s always been about more than just food and service.

All four of the Squiers children have played a role in the restaurant’s success, from Brittney managing the marina side and Cole in the restaurant, to Brooke and Bree helping out during breaks from school. Even Suzie’s husband, Barney, and her mother, Wilda “Gigi” Schrade, are key parts of The Cove’s special operations. Gigi, affectionately known to regulars, handles purchasing for the store.

“We opened the store on my son’s birthday, February 12, 2016,” Suzie says with a smile. “The marina side opened first, and the restaurant followed on March (Friday) the 13th. It’s been a wild ride ever since.”

Squiers’ dedication to her staff, affectionately called “The Cove Family,” is an anchor in the way she runs business. Many employees have been with her since the beginning, and she’s passionate about creating an environment where work feels fulfilling. “My goal is for our staff to give 100%, but I also want them to enjoy what they do,” she says. “Working is such a big part of life, and it should be fun.”

Through the years Squiers remains grateful for the blessings the restaurant has brought to her family and the community. Whether it’s serving up memories, hosting events, or simply providing a place for people to unwind, The Cove continues to make waves as a cornerstone of Lake Anna life.

For Squiers, it all comes back to family—both hers and the extended family she’s built at The Cove. “It warms my heart to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “Whether it’s teaching the next generation to be kind or helping someone have a great day, that’s what it’s all about.”

So next time you’re at The Cove, slow down, soak in the sunset, and enjoy life on lake time. After all, that’s what makes The Cove—and Suzie Squiers—truly wave worthy.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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