Left to right: McKahla Kuecker and Treldon Jones, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Cellar in Kearney make it to the ‘Final Fork’ in the second annual Tournament of Taste hosted by Central Nebraska Today.com.
The Tournament of Taste featured 64 different central Nebraska restaurants and eateries that had been nominated by residents through a vote.
A bracket was set up and those businesses with the higher number of votes moved ahead. In the end, it came down to The Loading Chute in Hampton, Ol’ Ironsides Barbeque and Banquet Hall in Cario and Winchesters in Phillips, with The Loading Chute winning as the “Chompion.”
During the Tournament of Taste, The Cellar went up against The Speakeasy, Rival’s Bar, Danish Bakery and Sit N’ Bull Saloon.
A trophy and full bracket were presented to Treldon Jones, co-owner and McKahla Kuecker, manager on Thursday, April 17.
The Cellar is located at 3901 2nd Ave. in Kearney and features a unique entrance basement entrance.
The Cellar Louge was originally established in 1978 and would establish itself as a popular eating establishment known for renowned onion rings.
In January 2020, it was announced The Cellar would close, after nearly 40 years of service.
It was in late 2021 that Kyle Lee, president of Kearney’s FirsTier Bank, had the idea of purchasing and reopening The Cellar.
Lee and his wife, A.J., approached three other couples, all friends of the Lees and asked them to join in the effort to reopen the restaurant.
The co-owners include the Lees, Matt and Angela Mortensen, Treldon and Darci Jones and Sean and Brittany Beckman.
Lee said Treldon Jones was one of his first partners in this venture and who helped to create the idea for the sports atmosphere. Owning a sports bar is something that Lee has always wanted to do.
The interior has undergone a notably change after reopening. Gone is the lounge atmosphere of booths and dark walls, but it has been replaced with an open concept, with white walls, large tables, and plenty of televisions on the walls.
In addition, there is a new party room and an outdoor patio space with several large tables and a fire pit. Don’t worry about missing the game, there are two TVs mounted outside.
The menu reflects the sports bar atmosphere, but the hand sliced onion rings, breaded in a secret blend of spices, have made their return.
The menu includes a large list of appetizers and burgers, wings, sandwiches, pizza, salads and desserts.
“The Cellar is your neighborhood hangout with small-town charm and big flavor. Enjoy our walk-out patio, catch the game on our many flat-screen TVs, or host your next event in our Party Room, perfect for special occasions or private gatherings,” according to their website.
The hours include Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday to 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The kitchen hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Happy Hour times are 3-5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close.
Kuecker said that The Cellar is a family friend place with a welcoming atmosphere where anyone can grab a bite to eat.
When asked about the Tournament of Taste, Jones said that they were “blown away” by how far they make it during the tournament and appreciated the continued support of the community. He said it was a collaboration of staff and customers alike.
When asked about the importance of reopening the Cellar, Jones and Kuecker said that a locally owned restaurant means an investment in the Kearney community. They said they appreciate all of their customers by supporting local businesses.
In conclusion, Kuecker said that she thanked the customers for their continued support and that they cannot operate the way they can without their dedicated staff who have served past and present.
