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

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – The owner of a popular Seward bar and grill is being forced to close his business by next week.

Gregg Nelson is closing Squire Wards Public House because of a situation beyond his control.

Nelson has been running the bar and grill for the past four and a half years.

But he doesn’t own the building; he rents the space.

And within the past few weeks, his passion for owning a small business was ripped away.

“The building went into foreclosure,” Nelson said. “There was a trustee’s sale a couple of weeks ago, and the group that ended up with the ownership of the building didn’t want to really do anything with us.”

He said the new owners, “basically told us they’re not going to renew the lease and that was that.”

He had only one option if he wanted to stay, but it wasn’t justifiable.

“They made us one offer that was a rate that was just not sustainable for a smaller business in a small town,” Nelson said. “The rates were more comparable to what you’d see in the Haymarket in Lincoln than what you would expect to see in Seward.”

So now, Nelson is spending his days packing, hoping to move out by next week.

He said it’s disheartening because all of the decorations have been compiled over the years. The people of Seward have brought things in to add to the walls and shelves.

“A lot of customers become great friends, and a lot of great friends become customers,” Nelson said.

The one thing that reassures him is the community’s support.

He posted on social media about why he has to close.

“Within the first few hours after that went out, I had 313 text messages from people just offering help, offering support,” he said.

He has a special connection with the people who come into the bar.

Those who ordered food on Tuesday night struck up a conversation, brought in boxes to help with the move, and offered a hug or words of encouragement.

Nelson said it gives him hope that he could reopen somewhere else in town.

But for now, the future is uncertain.

“We’re going to spend some time with the grandkids and take advantage of the slower schedule and then just figure it out after that,” he said.