Old Man River slated to open March 13
Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery will re-open at 123 A St., in downtown McGregor, on Wednesday, March 13. New owners Duane and Diana Vorwald purchased the historic building last fall and have spent the past few months adding their own touches and developing the menu. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
After sitting empty for several years, Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery is slated to re-open its doors in downtown McGregor on Wednesday, March 13.
It was the restaurant’s location in the historic Diamond Jo building that caught the eye of new owners Duane and Diana Vorwald.
“We saw the sign that it was for sale,” Diana remarked. “My husband kept sending me pictures until I gave in.”
“It’s such a beautiful building,” she added, “and we’re happy to get it open again.”
After leading separate careers, Diana said she and Duane welcome the joint venture.
“We want to spend more time together,” she quipped.
The Vorwalds purchased the building last fall and have spent the last few months adding their own touches and developing a menu.
The food selection features an array of appetizers, such as cheese fries, cheese curds and homemade chips. Homemade pizzas will be available, in addition to several different salads and wraps. There are specialty burgers, including turkey and vegan burger options, as well as unique sandwiches, like the tenderloin steak, broiled chicken and Mississippi mud pork. The entree list has tenderloin, ribeye, prime rib, baby calves liver, broasted chicken, deep-fried ravioli and multiple fish choices.
On Sundays, Old Man River will serve brunch and also have a Bloody Mary bar.
“I’ve been in the restaurant business my whole life,” said Diana. “I am a chef and I know food. It’s a good menu everyone is going to like.”
Diana said Old Man River will feature a wide selection of tap beers, and they eventually plan to brew their own.
She hopes the setting and menu options will appeal to both locals and visitors.
“We’re adamant about it being a nice, relaxing, family atmosphere,” she said.
That goes for those who work there, as well.
“Our employees don’t work for us, they work with us,” she noted.
Since the couple took over, Diana said the level of excitement and outpouring of support from the community has meant a lot.
“We’ve met some wonderful people and we think it’s a wonderful town,” she shared. “We’re so glad we decided to purchase the building in McGregor.”
Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery will be open Wednesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, check out “The Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery” Facebook page.
