‘Things happen for a reason’: Seward bar and grill reopens after sudden closure last year

S

EWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – A beloved Seward restaurant is opening a new location after its sudden closure last year.

On Tuesday night, Squire Ward’s Public House served drinks for the first time in more than 10 months.

And the owner, Gregg Nelson, couldn’t be happier.

“This is awesome,” he said. “Squire Ward’s is back.”

Last November, Nelson said he was forced to close his bar and grill after the building was bought by new owners.

SEE NOTE: ‘Just not sustainable’: Seward bar and grill faces sudden closure

“We talked about maybe just leaving it closed and going on the road for a while,” he said. “And we decided that’s not quite what we wanted to do.”

Then, a spot opened up just a block away from the old place. The new location is right on main street.

Nelson moved walls full of decorations a few doors down.

And now a tough moment has been turned into a beautiful one.

“They say things happen for a reason, and this place just might be the proof,” Nelson said. “We ended up with a much nicer location than we had before. It’s a better space, about three times the size.”

Nelson held a soft opening on Tuesday, inviting friends and family into the new space.

It also gave the new employees a chance to learn the ropes before the official opening on Thursday night.

“Judging from the crowd that’s in here tonight, they know how to make a martini now, so that’s a great start!” Nelson said.

Drinks were served to grinning customers, who were able to see a beloved bar and grill returned to its former glory.

Nelson said this moment is only possible because the people of Seward helped him persevere.

“It’s wonderful to be back in here and the support from the community has been amazing,” he said.