Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Bailey’s new owner still in the family



Bailey’s Tavern and Grill got new owners this past month.

However, the Winsted fixture is remaining in the family.

The previous owner, Kim Hirsch, has sold the restaurant
to her father, Jeffrey Fuerstenberg. Her sister, Patty Rehmann, is now the
manager.

With the new owner comes some changes, too. The emphasis
in decor and theme will be a hunter’s haven.

In fact, Rehmann and Fuerstenberg are on the look-out for
stuffed wildlife and replica guns to hang around the bar.

“We are looking for a moose head right now. We want
to hang it over the fireplace,” Rehmann said.

The menu will also be revamped a bit.

Fuerstenberg and Rehmann have added some buffalo wings,
which have already sold out 100 orders. Other additions include a buffalo
chicken sandwich, chicken cordon bleu, and reubens. Ribs might be on the
menu in the future.

Another change will come with the off-sale liquor. The
new owners feel they’ll need more kitchen space, so the off-sale liquor
room may have to make way within a year. Bailey’s will continue to sell
liquor off-sale, but it just won’t be on display.

Other ideas are also being initiated. The new owners are
merging with a bar in Watertown, Diamond Jim’s, to hold a beer bust on April
17 to support their respective softball teams.

However, Fuerstenberg and Rehmann want to keep some services
of Bailey’s the same. The name will remain the same and all the activities
like tailgate parties, pool and dart leagues, karaoke, and Winstock sponsorship
will still be part of the restaurant’s line up.

Fuerstenburg said they will also have some live music from
time to time like Hirsch used to have.

Over the years, Bailey’s has been through many owners.
Fuerstenberg said he is the fourth since the grill had the Bailey’s name.

The location originally was an auto body shop. At one point,
the bar was called The Bullwhacker, but about 10 years ago, it was named
Bailey’s and has held that name since.

The transition has been a lot of work, according to Fuerstenberg
and Rehmann. Remodeling and repairs are being done, and the paper work has
been extensive. However, both agree that since taking over, it has been
fun getting to know new people.

As for working together, the father and daughter don’t
seem to have a problem. Rehmann insisted that she’s the boss and her father
laughed.

Fuerstenberg said, “It has been fun ­ me and her
working together.”

In truth, Rehmann, who managed Bailey’s when her sister
owned it, is showing her father some of the ropes.

Fuerstenberg is learning, and is happy to take on duties
such as cooking and tending bar.

The cooking is a little new to him, and perhaps not his
favorite part. But he plans on concentrating on the bar full time and hopes
the customers will appreciate seeing the owner behind the bar and the apron.

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