Seward, Neb. – After more than ten months of silence, Squire Ward’s Public House opened its doors again on Tuesday night, marking a hopeful new chapter for the beloved local bar and grill. Owner Gregg Nelson expressed his gratitude to the community, saying, “This is awesome. Squire Ward’s is back.”
From sudden closure to a better space
Nelson’s original establishment was forced to close last November when the building was sold to new owners. At the time, he considered keeping the business shuttered while he explored other options, but decided against it. “We talked about maybe just leaving it closed and going on the road for a while,” he recalled. “And we decided that’s not quite what we wanted to do.”
Opportunity arrived when a vacant spot opened just a block away on Main Street. The new location provides roughly three times the square footage of the former site, allowing for a more comfortable dining area and expanded bar service. “They say things happen for a reason, and this place just might be the proof,” Nelson said. “We ended up with a much nicer location than we had before. It’s a better space, about three times the size.”
Soft opening and community response
The Tuesday evening soft opening welcomed friends, family, and a handful of new employees. Nelson used the event to train staff before the official grand opening scheduled for Thursday night. “Judging from the crowd that’s in here tonight, they know how to make a martini now, so that’s a great start!” he noted with a smile.
Patrons enjoyed drinks and a glimpse of the renovated interior, which retains many of the original decorations that longtime customers recognize. The atmosphere was upbeat, with many guests expressing relief that a local gathering place had returned.
Local support fuels the comeback
Nelson credited the Seward community for helping him persevere through the difficult period. “It’s wonderful to be back in here and the support from the community has been amazing,” he said. The reopening underscores the resilience of small businesses in small towns and the importance of local patronage.
With a larger footprint and renewed enthusiasm, Squire Ward’s Public House aims to continue serving Seward residents and visitors alike, offering a familiar menu of classic bar fare, craft cocktails, and a welcoming environment for families and friends.
Looking ahead
Nelson plans to host regular events, including live music nights and community gatherings, to further embed the establishment in Seward’s social fabric. The reopening not only restores a popular dining option but also contributes to the downtown economy, providing jobs and drawing foot traffic to the Main Street corridor.
As the town adjusts to the new venue, residents can look forward to a revitalized gathering spot that honors the past while embracing a brighter future.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
