New restaurant now open in former Long Branch building

ARISPE — An open sign now welcomes drivers to a new restaurant along Highway 169 in Arispe.

The building, which formerly held Long Branch Lounge, has a new name, owners and personality these days, though. Rena and David Cheers opened their business, Arispe Feed & Grain, in the building on June 7.

“We didn’t want saloon, bar or lounge in the name,” Rena Cheers said. “It’s not a bar. It’s a restaurant that has a bar. We have a lot of farmers and other residents in the area who want to have a nice place to grab a good sit-down meal. So, that’s what we’ve created.”

The Cheers family, who purchased the building at an auction in October, completely renovated the inside, power cleaned all surfaces, accented the dining-room area with old barn boards to give it an inviting “country feel,” built a new custom concrete bar, purchased flat-screen televisions, tables and chairs and new grills.

“I’ve ate there three times,” said Bob Jansen, Union County supervisor, “and the meals have been excellent, especially for the price. The appearance of the place is a lot cleaner than it used to be, and the service was excellent. From the waitresses to the owners, you could really tell they wanted to please the customer.”

Rena said they are committed to buying and using as much local produce in their dishes as possible, including fresh produce from the Dennis Wimmer family in Arispe and from local farmer’s markets. Also, all hamburger will be homegrown by David on the Cheers family farm.

Hours at Arispe Feed & Grain, 400 N. Division St., Arispe, are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with dinner starting at 5 p.m.

“This is still a work in progress,” Rena said, “but the whole idea isn’t to make a bunch of money, it’s to keep it open and give people in this area a nice place to socialize and enjoy a good meal.”

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Directions to Arispe Feed & Grain from Creston

Take U.S. Highway 34 east nine miles toward Afton, turn right onto North Douglas Street (Highway 169) and continue through the Afton business district about a half mile, stay right at the fork in the road and travel south on Highway 169 for about five miles, then turn left on Division Street in Arispe.

What’s on the menu?

Main dishes include steaks, burgers, seafood including shrimp and salmon, pork tenderloins, french dip and homemade chicken and noodles. They will also have lunch specials.