ALTON, Iowa (KTIV) -
Sarah Mousel spends her days working as a waitress for Tag's Sports Bar in Alton, Iowa. That's because of her parents' decision to finally pursue their dream and buy this place at an auction.
"We hate to see a building in Alton go down the tubes into a rental property or storage. So, we decided it'd be a great place for a sports bar," said Terry Mousel.
Terry's father used to own a bar in Alton decades ago, and his memories of the bar's novelty items and games of billiards at the old shop are still fresh. Now, some of those memories are making their way into the shop, which is named after Terry's nickname, Tag.
"I know they've talked about it for years. And so, to see it actually happen is awesome," said Sarah Mousel.
"To have these memories and these things back, it's been a great journey for both of us," said Joanie Mousel, Terry's wife and co-owner.
Even the folks at Tag's are surprised that four months ago this place was an abandoned hardware store. Now, they're beginning to incorporate items from the town's history.
"To see how fast it all came together was just mind-blowing," said Sarah Mousel.
"It's nice to come in here and not know everybody, that we're getting people from all over the area," said Joanie Mousel.
It's that word of mouth about the service and the food that keeps people coming through the doors. With an extensive sports bar menu, it's sure to get even busier come football season.
"The wings are great. So, it's a fun place to eat wings and watch sports," said Samantha Newborg of Alton, Iowa.
While Joanie handles the day to day tasks, Terry is slowly transitioning himself from the painting business into the bar business. The family has already invested $250,000 into the bar and kitchen, which they're slowly recouping with each busy day.
"As I get older and the drywall and the painting gets tougher, I'd like to work full time in here and enjoy the people more," said Terry Mousel.
Originally the family planned to have a grand opening for the public in September, but they've been so busy, that won't happen now.
Tag's is hoping to instead have a customer appreciation day some time before Thanksgiving.
