Saloon Renewal: Bug Eyed Betty’s owner re-opens Glen Loch Saloon
Lauren Fisher, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
The challenge of reopening the century-old Glen Loch Saloon in Chippewa Falls, according to new owner Jordan Hedrington, will be getting people in the door after watching the dive bar go through six years of managerial hot-potato. The owner of Bug-Eyed Betty’s decided to grab onto that spud and restore a sense of consistency and friendliness to the venue when he saw the available lease.
“It has always been a dive bar, and I don’t have any plans to change that ... With that we hope to bring back that approachability. Clean, friendly, fun, delicious, if a little drafty and dark.” – Jordan Hedrington on his vision for the re-opened Glen Loch Saloon
Hedrington, who grew up in Chippewa Falls, spent a lot of time at the Glen Loch during his childhood and young adult years. It was a good place for a family meal or a drink with friends. He remembers when “Bugeye,” the pizza cook, used to greet him, his father, and his uncle by name. That familiarity was the joint’s signature.
And Hedrington plans to restore that “Cheers” vibe to the Loch. “It has always been a dive bar, and I don’t have any plans to change that, but we will be open consistent hours, and serve amazing, locally sourced (where we can) food.” He said. “With that we hope to bring back that approachability. Clean, friendly, fun, delicious, if a little drafty and dark.”
The menu will focus on burgers and stone-fired pizza, with other traditional bar appetizers such as wings. Hedrington will purchase his ground beef from Sokup’s Market in Chippewa Falls, and use locally baked buns. Sauces and pizza dough will be made in-house.
The Loch offers daily specials and activities from pool to $2 burgers and $4 bloody marys, depending on when folks stop in. Come spring, Hedrington plans to take advantage of the outdoor space. He envisions live music, fire pits, and beanbags.
“It kind of represents what I remember about growing up in Chippewa Falls.” Hedrington said. “It’s about getting them in that first time and making them see the Glen Loch they remember.”
The Glen Loch Saloon is located at 1300 Jefferson Avenue, Chippewa Falls. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 3pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 11am-2:30am, and Sunday 11am-11pm. More information is available on their Facebook page @glenlochchippewafalls.
