New owners getting into swing of things
As of Monday, August 4, the Hide-A-While Bar outside of Rock Falls is officially under new ownership after Dave and Sally Steinke ran it for 31 years.
Chad and Becky Traun, of Mondovi, purchased the bar as an investment.
"We've been frequenting it for some time, and we grew up around here," Becky said. "My mother went to school here in her elementary years, and has stories about playing dodgeball in the basement."
Becky described bar ownership as something different they wanted to try.
"We knew Sally wanted to retire, so we thought we'd give it a shot," she said.
Becky works as a CNA, and will be at the bar on an as-needed basis. Chad will work as-needed in the winter, as he also owns Wood Master of Mondovi. The Trauns live in Mondovi with their two children, Dawson and Ella.
Becky said they will be keeping all the same staff on board.
The Trauns have no previous experience owning a bar, but Becky said Chad has it in his blood.
"His mom was in the business for years, and his sister, Kelly, has been bartending for years," she said. "They're helping guide us with what to do and not to do."
Becky said patrons won't see any big changes, but may notice some small things here and there.
"We want people to keep coming and not be taken off guard," Becky said. "Our family and friends frequent here as well."
The pool league, volleyball league, and horseshoes will continue as normal, and Becky said they are also thinking about getting a dart league going.
"We're still on the fence about that," she said.
In just over a week of ownership, Becky said the new venture has her head spinning.
"It's been nerve wracking, but very exciting," she said. "There's a lot more involved than I thought. It's very different being on the other side of the bar."
Becky said some big events are coming up. The annual golf outing was held last weekend, a grand opening will be held, as well as the Hide-A-While Prom.
"We want people to come wearing hideous prom attire, and we'll be giving out prizes," she said.
