Waite Park Bar Reopens After Temporary Closure

WAITE PARK -- A Waite Park Bar and Restaurant is open for business after a temporary closure.

Friends Bar and Restaurant was closed in late November due to a liquor license issue, and on Friday (January 1st) held their reopening.

Owner Bill Thomas says it was great to see all their loyal customers come back and show their support.

"You got to thank everybody that showed up, came back, and showed me we used to do a good job and will continue to do a good job for them, so you just got to say thanks," says Thomas.

The bar was transferred back to Thomas after previous owner Justin Rovnak (who Thomas sold the bar to) was in violation of multiple city ordinances, and state laws, and had his liquor license revoked by the city.

Thomas says they have hired some new staff and are making small changes to the bar to help improve the customer experience.

"We've cleaned up the place, changed the menu a little bit and got things back to the way I thought they should be. Eventually we will get to everything it just takes time," says Thomas.

Friends Bar and Restaurant is located at 236 2nd Avenue South in Waite Park.