Sometimes a business idea lands at the right time and in the right place. That was the case for Joe and Tammy Lefeber, owners of Cruisin’ Tikis in Oshkosh.
The business offers two-hour Fox River cruises aboard a floating Tiki bar.
Joe Lefeber says he and Tammy talked about starting a business and had experienced a Tiki boat cruise in Florida. In addition, he had been a first mate aboard the Pioneer Princess, a yacht that cruised out of a harbor in Oshkosh near the mouth of the Fox River.
The city’s focus on the water and aquatic experiences seemed a natural fit.
“[Oshkosh Chamber CEO] Rob Kleman was one of the first people we reached out to, and he was very encouraging,” Lefeber says.
The chamber offered a small business loan from a revolving loan fund that helped with the purchase of the boat.
Lefeber also found support from Jay and John Supple, owners of Fox River Brewing Company, where Cruisin’ Tikis is docked. He says they were on board immediately when approached with the idea; the business offers food and beverages to go.
The boat was obtained in 2022 and is currently the furthest north franchise of Cruisin’ Tikis. Named “Aquaholic,” Lefeber jokes that he christened the boat by falling in the water on the first day. He’s still the only one to misstep aboard the very stable watercraft.
Captains include Joe and Tammy, their son Jacob, David Stucke and Mark Moderson. All are Coast Guard certified and certified in pediatric and adult CPR and first aid, as well as in using an AED.
Customers include families, business get-togethers, small birthday parties, or anyone who seeks a unique, laid-back experience, Lefeber says. The goal is to book at least 100 cruises per season, which runs from May into September. They offer three cruise options per day and are typically fully booked on weekends in the busiest months of July and August.
“We love being busy, and it’s started to get more of a name for itself,” Lefeber says. “We’ve had so much support from the community. I don’t know if I would have done this anyplace else.”
