Micky Rugland, left, and Brook Bauer. (Photo via Menomonie Minute)

Dean and Sue’s Bar & Grill Passes The Torch

After 100 years serving the wider Menomonie community, Dean and Sue’s Bar & Grill celebrated its final day at the end of September. The staple family-owned business saw several generations of the same family at the helm, first with Al and Irene Oberle (when the location was known as Midway Grocery); then Sue and Dean Lecheler; and their daughter, Micky. 

According to Menomonie Minute, most of the staff – including Micky's daughter, Brook – will remain part of the crew as a new owner takes the reins. Moving forward, the longtime community hub will be transitioning into The Yard, also a bar and grill, with a grand (re)opening slated for Nov. 9 from 2-8pm. 

The Yard (2002 Midway Rd., Menomonie) officially opens Nov. 9. Keep up with The Yard on Facebook and view the menu online at theyardwi.com.

Historic Bloomer Site to be Revived as Restaurant (again)?

A historic Bloomer site is likely to operate once again as a restaurant and brew spot. Last occupied by The Old Bloomer Brewhouse & The Buckingham, which closed about a year ago, a new brew-and-grub joint is set to open this November. The Old Bloomer Brewery plans to offer a  family-friendly space serving up pizzas, burgers, wraps, and meals for kiddos, according to its Facebook page. Interestingly, its former occupant had also put a prohibition-era cave – located in the lower level of the building – on display, as Volume One shared in 2023. Fingers crossed it'll be on display once again.

Find The Old Bloomer Brewery (1526 Martin Rd., Bloomer) on Facebook to see additional updates. As of an Oct. 9 post, a grand opening date had not been selected, though the bar and grill planned to open in November.

Hey, Pizza Buffet!

For all you pizza buffet lovers out there, there's a new option to satisfy those all-you-can-eat cravings. Next Door Pizza Pub – which opened up in Lake Hallie next to Heartbreakers in 2024– launched its new pizza buffet and salad bar on Sept. 1, offering all-you-can-eat lunch from about 11am-2pm, seven days a week. The line features four 'za options alongside its salad offerings with prices ranging from $12.99-$16.99 per person, depending on age. Next Door Pizza Pub also has a full-service bar and expanded menu of pizzas, flatbreads, wings, handhelds, and more. 

Next Door Pizza Pub is located at 1713 County Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls. Find the restaurant on Facebook or visit in person, open seven days a week.

C'mon, look at that cheese pull. (Photo by SMMG Photography)

MERGER ALERT: iHop & Applebee’s

If you’ve driven past Eau Claire's Oakwood Mall lately, you may have noticed the south side Applebee’s location has been under construction. That’s because its parent company, Dine Brands Global, is putting two of its big brands under one roof: iHop and Applebees. Yep, it’s true; The breakfast chain and casual lunch and dinner sit-down chain are joining forces. According to Facebook comments made by the Eau Claire Applebee’s location’s general manager, part of the renovation has included a kitchen makeover to accommodate the change – including a ton of new kitchen equipment and expansion – with the dual restaurant set to serve both menus daily from 6am-midnight, whenever it opens.

The new iHop + Applebee's location (4745 Golf Rd., Eau Claire) does not yet have an official opening date. The former Eau Claire Applebee's Facebook is likely to share more information as it becomes available.