Dean & Sue’s Marks 100 Years, Prepares to Pour Its Last Drink September 27th

Micky Rugland and Brook Bauer

After a century of serving the Menomonie community, Dean & Sue’s bar will close its doors on Saturday, September 27, with a final “Pour Out Party.”

The family-owned bar and restaurant traces its roots back to 1925, when Sue’s parents, Al and Irene Oberle, opened Midway Grocery along Midway Road. At that time, the area was home to the brickyards, and many of the workers lived in the area. The store served the neighborhood, offering groceries, gasoline pumps, and a small beer bar with just three stools.

In 1962, Sue married Dean Lecheler, and the two joined the family business. They couldn’t officially take over until they turned 21, when they could legally hold the beer license. Their daughter, Micky, started working at the bar at the age of 15 and eventually became the owner.

“Dean & Sue’s has always been more than just a bar,” Micky said. “We’ve hosted weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and so many community events over the years. It’s been a gathering place.”

The bar has long been a hub for local organizations, from snowmobile clubs to the Menomonie Lions. Over the decades, it has offered volleyball leagues, pool leagues, trivia nights, weekly euchre games, and live music. Dean & Sue’s has also sponsored bowling and softball teams, race cars at Red Cedar Speedway, and go-karts at Thunderhill.

“We’ve been proud to support the community in any way we could,” Micky said. “Whether it was a fundraiser or a sports team.”

The end of one chapter marks the beginning of another. New owners will take over the business on Monday, September 28, and plan to rename it The Yard. Most of the staff will remain, including Micky’s daughter Brook, who will step in as bar manager.

On closing day, Dean & Sue’s will host its farewell event beginning at 2 p.m. The Pour Out Party will feature a video highlighting 100 years of memories. Guests are encouraged to use up any drink tokens and gift certificates they may have.

As for what comes next, Micky is looking forward to a slower pace. “I’ve worked almost every day for 45 years, so it’s going to be hard to sit still,” she said. “I want to catch up on things around the house, volunteer more at St. Joe’s, and maybe even find a part-time job just for fun.” She also hopes to travel with her husband, Greg.

She said her mother, Sue, now 81, still spends most days at the bar but is ready for the transition. “After a lifetime here, she’s ready to say goodbye,” Micky said.

Most of all, Micky is grateful. “I want to thank the community for all the great times we’ve had at Dean & Sue’s,” she said. “I’ll miss our customers, that will be the hardest part.”