Historic Kearney sports bar to reopen in July

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - The Cellar, under new ownership, is set to reopen in July. The bar held a job fair to fill all positions and it was broken up into two sessions.

The new owners said they wanted to reopen for the community, and it’s something they’ve thought about for awhile.

“It was a fun project, again we started thinking about this about a year and a half ago and I think we were able to do it with some of our best friends, the people I really enjoy being around all the time,” said Kyle Lee, Co-Owner of Cellar. “We were able to all do it together and it’s turned out really good.”

Lee said the place will look completely different from the last time people saw it. Although their opening is set for this summer, Kearney residents are ready for the relaunch.

“Well for instance we started a Facebook page and then less than 12 hours we had 5,000 followers,” said Angela Mortensen, Co-Owner of Cellar. “Like everyone’s so excited because this place means so much to so many people; with anniversaries, date nights, and just a place for people to come to.”

Lee said the Cellar was established in 1978 and had been a staple sports bar in Kearney for quite some time. For one employee, the Cellar is more than a sports bar.

“I think it’s just that place where you can come grab a drink, come in with your family, have awesome service, meet awesome people and just have an overall great time,” said Kahla Kuecker, Manager at Cellar.

Kuecker worked at the Cellar while she attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She said she’ll help the new staff members understand the history of the Cellar, and create a culture that will help them love their job.

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