Boardman takes the bar

Rich Boardman has a succinct way of describing his new job.

"I have my own man cave that I get to invite people over to every night, and that's pretty cool," he said.

The Hartley man took over operations of the bar at American Legion Post #288 on April 1. The local watering hole had run dry – the lease of Boardman's predecessor, Mari Howard, expired on Feb. 28, leaving loyal patrons shut out for the entire month of March. But thanks to some good timing and a little coaxing, Boardman decided he'd take the reigns.

He credits Keith Stoltz for convincing him to jump in behind the bar.

"It was kind of the right person at the right moment. They needed somebody," Boardman said. "Keith asked me one day about managing the bar, and I thought well, I suppose I could."

Boardman has worked at P&S Electric for more than a decade. He has past bartending experience at the Iowa Great Lakes and also slings drinks for the fire department during Summer Celebration, but he admitted there's been a learning curve.

"Drink orders have changed a little, but I should have everything figured out by the end of the year," he said with a laugh.

Legion patrons shouldn't expect any massive changes under Boardman's watch. He plans to add a pool table and dartboard this month, but other than that, things will operate like before.

"I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers and make any big changes," he said.

Boardman had hoped to take over the Legion immediately after Howard's lease was up; however, things didn't pan out that way. The Hartley City Council approved his liquor license on Wednesday, March 30, and he opened on Friday, April 1 – just in time for the Hartley Chamber of Commerce's Cabin Fever Golf event.

"It would have really sucked to miss that and the Legion fish fry last Friday," he said.

Boardman admitted the past two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, but he's enjoyed the new title of barkeeper so far.

"I'd say it's been going actually really good considering it was a month off from when I was hoping to open," he said. "Everyone has been great."

Boardman, a patron of the Legion himself prior to taking over, said the gig has been a homecoming of sorts. He remembers frequenting bars, restaurants and other venues with his family as child, so he hasn't had to adjust too much in his new role.

"It almost feels like home a bit," he said. "I enjoy visiting with people and having fun, but more importantly, I enjoy them having fun."