vKOZY continued from page 11
the changes taking place, he does like the way it turned out. They joke
about how he got the shingles during the renovation from being so
stressed out about the changes.
Kristen explains that pretty much everything with the bar has
changed since her grandpa owned it. “It’s just crazy how times have
changed in that period of time.” Cost of a beer went from 25 cents
per can to $3.00 over the years. Kozy recalls selling quarts of beer for
50 cents. When Kozy owned the bar, he had one room converted to
a bunkhouse, to keep those who shouldn’t drive off the road. Though
the bunkhouse is now gone, Kristen keeps customers off the roads if
needed with their van service that will pick them up and take them
home.
Some things haven’t changed, the charm of those running the bar
and the welcoming atmosphere are still the same. They still offer live
music three to four times per month, though the music is geared
toward the new generation; polka dances are a thing of the past.
Kristen explains that there are about a dozen regulars from around
the area that still come in, even though they’re a bit older. Some of the
“kids” that Kristen grew up with stop in, now they’re adults like her.
Kozy is still a daily visitor to the bar, this time as a guest. He enjoys
talking with the customers and telling his stories. His regular spot is at
the West end of the bar, sitting in the same spot as he and his wife sat at
for years. Kristen even kept that section of the bar top from the old bar
just for her grandpa to sit at.
Kristen explains what surprised her the most. “The amount of
people and support I had.” She was surprised that, with no liquor
license, sales went so well when they opened. The most challenging
was getting the food for their menu figured out and gauging how much
to order.
If she had to do it over again, she wouldn’t change a thing. She
smiles, “I think it’s going pretty well. Way better than I ever thought.”
She and her grandpa both agree that the best part of the business are
the people.
She invites you to stop in to meet some friendly people or listen
to some live music on a band night. You can find them on Facebook
under “Kozy’s Bar.” They open at 3:00 PM Monday through Friday
and at noon on weekends. The bar closes in the evening whenever the
crowd leaves.
As I sit with Kozy and Kristen, I can see the similarities that run
through the family. One thing I see for certain, Kozy’s Bar still has its
welcoming charm and fun atmosphere. It’s run by family and when
you walk in the front door, you feel like family. n
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