Nestled on the shores of Lake Kampeska sits The Prop—a quirky and inviting restaurant that has become a favorite among locals.
The laid-back pub offers more than just a place to grab a bite: The Prop is a spot to unwind, watch or play games, and soak up the unique atmosphere.
“It’s a family scene,” stated owner Conda Williams. “It’s one of those atmospheres where families are comfortable coming to, and it’s a place where they can bring their kids.”
The Prop knows a thing or two about family, as the establishment has been a part of the Williams’s ancestry since the late 1960s.
What started as a convenience store under the creation of William “Billy” Williams, introduced the next generation of business for the famed Stony Point property—which was originally a homestead in 1888.
“My customers bring me energy & excitement for being here. I grasp that energy to get through my days.”
-CONDA WILLIAMS
“Our building was built by my husband’s father, Billy,” said Conda.
At this time, many people were traveling, so introducing a store seemed natural, Conda shared, until her son, William “Willy” Monroe Willams entered the picture.
“He traveled back from Colorado in 1991, took over the property from my husband and I, created a restaurant and made it more organized,” said Conda.
Now the eatery serves up a classic American menu with a focus on burgers, sandwiches, and deep-fried side options.
One menu item that has become synonymous with The Prop is the infamous Garlic Cheeseburger.
“Our garlic burger was made from a recipe by my dad, who came up with it 25 years ago. It’s been a hit ever since,” said daughter Emily Williams. “It’s the item people travel across the country for.”
Conda added, “Our signature is a beer, garlic cheeseburger, and fries.”
Other popular menu items include the Habanero Cheeseburger, the Bacon Cheeseburger, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, and the Boomer’s Garlic Chicken Sandwich.
Pair the burgers and sandwiches with appetizers like French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Jalapeño Poppers, Mac & Cheese Bites, Fried Pickles, and more.
The Prop strives to create all of their meals with fresh ingredients, including ground hamburger from local butcher shops.
“The buns are baked fresh every day, and we buy all of our lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and bacon from our local grocery store, County Fair Foods Store,” said Emily.
Conda says The Prop isn’t a typical fine-dining establishment—it embraces a casual, pub-like
feel, complete with historical memorabilia and an abundance of multi-player games.
The walls are steeped in history, adorned with photographs and newspaper clippings that showcase the transition of Stony Point, old family photos, and memorabilia.
To play off of its lakeside location, The Prop also displays various fishermen tools, nets, and a large mounted Black Marlin caught by late owner, Willy.
A FAMILY ENDEAVOR
At The Prop, six generations of the Williams family have worked there in some capacity.
Throughout their visit, customers can entertain themselves with a free game of pool and shuffleboard, or bring in their own cards and board games.
“We aim to have an atmosphere of a person’s own recreation room,” said Conda.
The business name stems from another family endeavor that was created in the 1930s.
The Stella Mae, named after Billy’s mother, was a tour boat that offered excursions to passengers along Lake Kampeska. The large boat had a prop—or propeller—which Williams detached and placed outside of the new building.
“For many years it was outside of our business and had a sign that said, ‘Give the prop a spin to keep us going,’” shared Conda.
“Our customers who come in here are amazing, people, & I”m so blessed because of them.”
-CONDA WILLIAMS
The Prop holds a fun and iconic tradition that adds to its quirky charm. Visitors can come in and staple their business cards or signed dollar bills to the covered ceiling, allowing them to leave their mark and become part of the Prop’s story.
In addition to business cards and bills, lining the ceiling are obituaries.
“Over numerous years people used to come here with a loved one who has since passed. When they returned without them, they wanted to place a tribute to their deceased loved ones, so now we have what we call the ‘Wall of Wings,’” shared Conda.
NATIVE NAME
The origin of Lake Kampeska’s name comes from the Native American language, signifying it as the “Lake of Shining Shells.”
For Conda and the Willams family, The Prop is more than a restaurant— it’s a place where visitors can come together and create memories.
“The Prop will always be a name to people where they can come and be comfortable as they are,” she said.
