DOC’S BAR TO CLOSE JAN. 2

JEREMY WALTNER – PUBLISHER

Doc’s Bar, which has operated as such from the 200 block of Freeman’s Main Street since the spring of 2019, announced on Facebook last week that it will be closing on Jan. 2, 2021, with a liquidation sale starting this past Monday, Nov. 30.

The post came from owner Josue “Sway” Torres and says the decision was made “due to COVID-19 and mainly small town politics” and that “it is in my best interest to focus on my career.” The post also thanks Amy Beck, who has worked in a management role alongside Torres, the employees and all who supported the business over the past 20 months “to turn what the bar was to what it is today.” A comment that followed the post asked if Doc’s Mess Hall and Bakery — which opened less than three months ago — would be closing, as well, to which Doc’s Bar replied, “correct.”

But Beck told The Courier on Tuesday morning that she is working with Meranda Van Ningen, who owns the Doc’s Mess Hall property, as they look to the future. The door was locked early this week, but a sign out front directed customers to Doc’s Bar.

“Breakfast will be served at Doc’s (next door) temporarily,” it read. “Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Be patient while we make some changes.”

Beck said Doc’s Mess Hall will be open as planned for the “Frosty Fest” holiday event this Friday, where children will be invited to decorate cookies.

As for Autumn Huntimer’s Dreamations Preschool that had been operating on the second floor of the Doc’s Mess Hall building, that has moved into Beck’s Freeman home.