Founders Bar looks to honor Norfolk's past
NORFOLK, Neb. -- A new bar in downtown Norfolk is looking to honor the city's past while serving its patrons in the present.
Founders, as the new location is called, has taken up residency where The Boathouse once stood, a bar known well known for its axe-throwing lanes.
The new bars sudden appearance in Norfolk came as a shock to some, including its trio of owners Andrew McCarthy, Ryan Matteo, and Richelle Matteo.
However, after learning The Boathouse wouldn't be resigning their lease, they had no hesitation in taking up another project and starting another bar.
"It's kind of a unique setting, so when it became available, you know timing was everything," McCarthy said. "I get to work with these two more."
It's the second time the three partners have decided to purchase a Norfolk bar, their first being The Office Bar.
Their new project is looking to not only serve drinks and entertainment, but to pay homage to Norfolk's historical roots and shine a light on Norfolk's most important figures.
The trio says they have reached out to the Elkhorn Valley Museum and local news organizations for historical gather information ranging from the larger-than-life icon Johnny Carson to the very first settlers who laid the foundation for what Norfolk is today.
"I think that name Founders is kind of a general name," McCarthy said. "We're going to honor Norfolk and celebrate Norfolk, the founding families, anybody who has had their touch on Norfolk. We want to be more than just an axe-throwing establishment. The point is just to celebrate our history a little bit and kind of bring to light people who have had a hand in what Norfolk is today."
In addition to the new historical theme, the bar is looking to add new features as well as some old ones.
"Axe-throwing will stay the same," Ryan Matteo said. "We do plan on expanding to an outside cafe area for people to be able to have their drinks right outside in front. I believe you guys wanted to do a game room in the back."
Richelle Matteo said patrons can expect a new mural showing Norfolk's historical events will be painted later in February.