Tracy and Tony Savage of Marshalltown recently bought and opened Savage Tavern on 2nd Street in Gladbrook. The couple have worked since March on an ambitious interior renovation project and are ready to welcome community members and visitors. Photo by Darvin Graham

Tony and Tracy Savage have taken a chance on Gladbrook.

As of March 2021, the Marshalltown couple are the new owners of the bar establishment on 2nd Street in Gladbrook, previously known as RJ’s Hideaway.

RJ’s was owned and operated for over a decade by the Reese family of Gladbrook, Marvin and Gail and Sue.

However, it has sat vacant for over two years until now.

The Savages saw the place was for sale on Facebook and decided the opportunity was right.

Residents may have noticed a new retail sign piercing the downtown Gladbrook skyline. Savage Tavern, owned by Tony and Tracy Savage, was opened July 7 at the location of the former RJ’s Hideaway in Gladbrook.

Since acquiring the property in March, the new owners have been hard at work on interior renovations.

Tony said it was a difficult decision with several unknown factors in front of them. Building material prices and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic posed many questions.

How soon could they renovate and open the doors? Would enough customers show up once they were able to open?

The renovation project was substantial and one that Tony said kept growing as they got further down the road.

Construction was completed by Chris Jensen with Ameri-Construction, Doug Gethmann, Todd Kelly (electrical) and Rick Smith (plumbing).

A custom river run bar top created by Doug Gethmann of Gladbrook is a unique feature at the newly opened Savage Tavern in Gladbrook.

Windows were installed on the front of the building to add some daylight into the space. The restrooms, which were previously located at the front of the building near the door, were relocated to the back. The bar was rebuilt and shifted from the center of the room to the west wall.

New flooring, lighting, a new front sign and new paint throughout have all contributed to an updated, yet comfortable atmosphere for the new tavern.

The Savages also put in a pool table, three large TV screens, a jukebox and a dart board to add some additional entertainment options for patrons.

“This bar and this project has our touch on it,” Tracy said. “Everything in here we did and we’re proud of that.”

One signature item that catches the eye to greet patrons pulling up to the bar is a custom river run bar top, crafted by Doug Gethmann of Gladbrook.

Cedar wood appears under a clear coat finish with shimmering blue epoxy running through the middle of the wood to appear like water. A light under the resin shines through to add even more of a mesmerizing effect.

The tavern tables were also hand painted and finished by Tracy, each one layered with its own unique pattern.

The decor in the tavern feels like a home with something for everybody. Vintage beer memorabilia hangs over the bar. The back wall features a Harley Davidson theme with orange paint and some motorcycle tanks lining the top of the wall. Tony said they had some John Deere decorations in the place when they opened and a patron quickly arrived with a Farmall toy tractor to help balance the vibe.

The Savages have now largely completed their renovation work and on July 7 quietly opened their doors for a soft opening.

The reception in their first two weeks open has been encouraging. Customer traffic ebbs and flows like most bars and restaurants but the Savages said they were happy with what they’ve been able to sell so far.

Crown Apple whisky has been the local favorite, apart from cans of Busch Light, which Tony said are a challenge to keep stocked.

The staff at the tavern is small with Tracy working behind the bar full time and Tony helping out when he’s not working his day job at JBS Swift in Marshalltown. They’ve also received assistance from family during weekends and busier times.

In the future the couple hopes the tavern can host events like live music, bags tournaments, bike nights, pepper tournaments and poker runs.

For now, they’re focusing on walking before they run.

“It’s been a good experience so far,” Tony said. “We’re learning a lot and it’s been a lot of work. But it’s also been a lot of fun.”

The opening comes at a time of change and challenge for the downtown Gladbrook business district. Not long after the Savage Tavern opened, their neighbor across the street, Spanky’s Restaurant, closed their doors for regular dining hours, citing difficulties finding staff.

The Savages hope to make their tavern a fixture in the downtown and to be a place people can gather and relax together.

The Savage Tavern is located at 421 2nd St. in Gladbrook offering mixed drinks and canned beverages. They are open seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m (or close). Keep up with their business on Facebook at Savage Tavern – Gladbrook, IA or call 641-473-0031.