Bulldog Pub and Grub owner credits memorabilia, homemade recipes and neighborhood ties for bar's staying power

Zach Wert, owner of Bulldog Pub and Grub in Greeley, said the bar's mix of superhero, veteran and first-responder memorabilia and a tight-knit regular crowd have made it a "home Cheers bar" since he purchased the business in June 2022. "It's a home Cheers bar," Wert said, describing how customers have become like family.

Wert told host Rob Steinberg on the Greeley Business Beat that he kept the previous owner Brandon's collection of movie and service uniforms and other memorabilia when he took over: "Brandon started that, and we're just keeping it alive." He said his eldest daughter had worked at the bar before the sale and that prior collaborations with Brandon on events and advertising helped make the transition smoother.

The menu largely stayed the same after the sale, Wert said, though he has added a few items and experimented with new pizzas. He identified the Bulldog pizza'sausage, pepperoni, green peppers and mushrooms'as his favorite and said patrons especially like the bar's homemade ranch: "We do make our own ranch. Everybody loves ranch."

On beverage innovation, Wert described a local collaboration to produce a house bourbon. He said he worked with a Longmont distiller to sample barrels, blend them and finish the mixture in a Weller Special Reserve barrel for the bar's bourbon offering.

Wert also described everyday operational challenges, chiefly ongoing repairs and maintenance of equipment and fixtures. He said taking ownership of the bar was overwhelming at first as word of the sale spread quickly in the community, but added that the close relationships with customers have been a major reward.

Offering advice to prospective business owners, Wert urged persistence and a willingness to take risks. "If you fail, pick yourself up and go on to the next thing," he said.

The episode concludes with production credits: the Greeley Business Beat is a Greeley City production in collaboration with 1k Creative; listeners are encouraged to subscribe and visit visitgreeley.com for more stories.