The end of an era
By Rachel Smith
Staff Reporter
After over a year of service to the Oak Harbor community, Bad Bob's BBQ will be closing its doors.
Current manager and part owner, Mick Beier, grew up in Oak Harbor and is currently living in Perrysburg, where the new location will be.
He owns the restaurant along with his parents Marty and Michelle. "We hate to have to close," said Beier. "We have poured so much sweat into this place."
The building the restaurant resides in is over 100 years old. The Beier's have put in new carpet, repainted surfaces, and purchased custom ceiling tiles.
The reason for having to close comes from the kitchen. The fire suppression system is so old that it would not work against the new zero trans fat oil that all kitchens use today.
The entire system would have to be switched over to be able to extinguish a fire. It would be a very costly investment.
The building owner and the Beiers could not work out the expensive upgrade. As much as he hates to leave, Beier admits that the building is not the best for a restaurant.
"The ceiling is leaking and the air conditioning is run at top speed all day with barely a difference," said Beier.
"We don't want to put more money into a collapsing building."
One of the hardest things for the Beiers to do is say goodbye to their employees.
"Our newest employee has been here since November of 2007," said Beier.
"They are all great."
One employee that is especially sad to leave is Gary Goldstein who has been the bartender at the hotel for 21 years.
He is sad to see it all go. "It is the end of an era," he said. There has been a bar in the hotel since 1982.
The new restaurant is scheduled to open in Perrysburg on August 25th. Beier said not much will change.
"We are still emphasizing a family atmosphere."
Anyone interested in the new restaurant can check it out at www.badbobs17.com.
The website has the menu, pictures, and directions.
The last day for Bad
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Gary Goldstein
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Bob's will be August 9th. Their catering services will remain open throughout the moving process.
It will be sad to see the Beiers leave.
"It's more than just a restaurant to us."
The hotel has been a staple in the Oak Harbor community for a long time. It is sad to see it close.
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