By Deb Kroon
Review staff writer
On Friday, November 15th, Wilmont Saloon No 7 reopened it’s doors under new ownership, adding once more to Wilmont’s Main street. “We officially opened on Friday night,” said owner Rick Johnson. “We quietly opened on Saturday, November 9th for the day. There was a wedding in Wilmont, and they asked if we could be open. There was a very small crew, and the bar was packed! We’ve been officially open for two weekends and one week now. So far business has been great!”
Rick and his wife Stacy have full time jobs in their home in Maple Lake, MN. The bar in Wilmont is under the management of their daughter Hailey. She and her boyfriend Chris have made their home in Wilmont. “Stacy and I will drive to Wilmont after work on Friday and head back on Sunday until we get the staff comfortable in their jobs. Some of our staff has experience, but a lot are new to the bar/restaurant business,” Rick commented.
The bar will have regular hours of 11:00 a.m to 1:00 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sundays, closed on Mondays. They are serving a regular menu expanded by daily special dinners and soups, such as a meatloaf dinner, steak special, or spaghetti and meatballs. “One of our speciality dishes is our Southwest egg rolls. Stacy makes them from scratch and they are really good. Our food has been well received so far,” Rick said.
“Our novelty,” Rick went on, “is our bottom-fill mug. The mug is filled from the bottom and a magnet is dropped in to seal the mug. As of now, we are the only bar in Minnesota to have this mug. The magnet goes home with the patron and can be put on a refrigerator, or what ever you want to do with it. Our name is on the magnet. Great advertising!” he said. “There are signs on the bar warning people not to mess with the magnet, but it seems like everyone has to look at the bottom of their mug and some push on the magnet. Their beer is now all over the counter. They have to try it!”
The Facebook reviews have been great for these new owners. You can go on to their Facebook page and see reviews and the daily specials are posted there. Take some time to make the short drive to Wilmont and check out the new Wilmont Saloon No 7. It will be worth the drive.
