Dead End Saloon Gets New Name, New Look, New Owner

Ripping out 18-year-old carpet was just the beginning of the repairs and rehab Kevin Burgey committed to when he bought the property formerly known as the Dead End Saloon.

"Well, it's an old building and it fell into disrepair these last few years," Burgey told Patch Tuesday while he gave us a tour. "It needed some plumbing, electrical and I still have to get to the roof."

He expects to open Burgey's Pub and Prime, 8619 E. Frontage Rd., sometime next month. The new restaurant will feature a dining room that seats between 40 and 48 and a full menu while the bar will be brighter thanks to new lighting and a new paint job.

Burgey received approval for a Class B combination license Monday night from the Village Board.

"I've heard really good things about what you've done with the building," Trustee David Prott told Burgey during the meeting.

Additionally, he has passed all health and food inspections required, clearing the way for him to open when he completes repairs both inside and out.

Burgey is a veteran bar and restaurant owner - he owned and operated The Opry in Oak Creek for years - so he knows what he's getting into on the business side of things. What he was perhaps a little unprepared for was the needed cost of both time and money to bring the old place up to snuff.

"I don't think about the money," he chuckled. "I let the accountants worry about that. I just turn my head and keep working."

And while it's a hefty undertaking, Burgey wanted to be sure we mentioned the friends who, he said, work their regular jobs during the day before coming to the Pub & Prime to help him for a few hours. Burgey is there from about 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

"Everything done here would not have been possible without the wonderful friends I have," he said. "If I sound like I'm gushing, I am. I would never be this far ahead without them."

Tim and Wendy Koepp, Marcy Wells and Trevor Malicki helped rip out that old carpeting, lay the new rubber floor, install the new dropped ceiling, upgrade the bathrooms and install new plumbing in the kitchen.

Tim Koepp is also responsible for the logo (see the attached photo) that appears on a bar top Burgey's son made where pool players can put their drinks. The logo also appears on the napkin holders that will be scattered throughout the bar and restaurant.

As for why he's getting back into the bar and restaurant business, Burgey is nearing retirement from the construction industry and said he'll need something to keep him busy.

"I want to retire with this," he said, sweeping his arm around. 

Burgey's Pub & Prime will host a neighborhood meet-and-greet prior to holding a grand opening. Patch will be sure to update users when Burgey has those dates ready.