A Special Message to Our Community

Following the passing of its owner, Jay Soule, in November, the sale of Al & Alma’s to the Geyens is a fulfillment of Jay and his family’s wishes, and a culmination of a process that began in August 2024 when Jay learned that his cancer had returned. Jay purchased Al & Alma’s in April 2019 and operated it along with his wife, Jenna, for the past five years. Jay battled colon cancer and beat it in September of 2023, but it returned during the summer of 2024. 

 “There is profound sadness felt by the loss of Jay and the devastating circumstances which have led us to this decision. But I am filled with hope and optimism about the future of Al & Alma’s now that it will be placed in the care of Jamie and Nate,” stated Jenna Soule, Jay’s wife and partner in the business. “After multiple discussions within our family, we all agreed that if Jay was not able to be part of Al & Alma’s we could not keep operating it without him. He fully supported this decision and we worked together to identify who would write the next chapter in the Al & Alma’s story. While our chapter with Al & Alma’s was cut far too short, the story of Al & Alma’s and its 68 year history of serving Lake Minnetonka will continue under the nurturing, capable ownership of the Geyens.”

For Nate and Jamie, Al & Alma’s has always been part of their lives. As the son and daughter in law of previous owners, Daryl and Merritt Geyen, Al & Alma’s holds a special place in their hearts.  Nate worked at Al & Alma’s for 15 years serving as a boat captain and in various management roles. Jamie has worked at Al & Alma’s for 25 years in numerous operational leadership roles. Both are familiar with the Al & Alma’s history, the brand experience, the business and are passionate about delivering a first class Lake Minnetonka experience to customers. Nate has been in business with Kevin Soule, Jay’s brother, for the past 15 years in the IT industry at Avanti Global Resources and will continue to be part of that business as well. 

In an email dated September 18, Jay expressed the following to his advisors helping with the sales process, “Our goal with selling to Jamie and Nate is to honor the goodwill that Merritt and Daryl extended to me and recognize that Jamie is invaluable to the ongoing success and keeper of the brand…Lots of improvements over the last 5 years that will continue to deliver value for years to come.” 

“This feels like a full circle moment for Al & Alma’s even in the midst of the heartbreaking circumstances that have brought us to this point. We proceed knowing that this was Jay’s wish – to see the story of Al & Alma’s continue by people who will care for it (almost) as much as he did,” stated Jenna Soule. “Al & Alma’s was truly his life’s work. His passion for creating a special place where customers come to experience unforgettable moments on Lake Minnetonka will live on.” 

“Here’s to our leader, Jay, who was truly one of a kind. May we always remember his love for this place and the legacy of excellence that he leaves with us for the years to come,” continued Soule. “I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to Jamie and Nate Geyen and wish them success in the future.” 

Jay also was the owner of Tonka Bay Marina on Lake Minnetonka. Jenna will retain majority ownership of that business going forward.

Al & Alma’s intends to maintain its regular course of business operations and honor existing reservations and event contracts. Customers can rest assured that Al & Alma’s will continue in a business as usual fashion, serving customers throughout the winter at its Supper Club and continuing to book cruises for the upcoming 2025 season.