By Evan J. Pretzer
Though Players, a once popular sports bar with a loyal summer volleyball following, is no longer in existence, a new establishment has risen in its place with a new name and a new owner.
Open since May, Hutch’s Bar, 4411 Stewart Ave., Wausau, offers many of the same features as Players did and is being run by a family with solid business roots in the area.
“We opened May 11 and really decided to change the name for a clean start,” owner Steve Hutchison told Wausau Pilot and Review this week. “Players kind of went down, so now we’ve got a new beginning.”
Hutchison, no stranger to the business community, is the former owner of the Palms Supper Club in Schofield, which he sold in May to Tony Snoeyenbos. He also owns SH Enterprises in Wausau. Hutchison purchased the bar in May from former owner Ronnie Baars.
Hutch’s is keeping the rustic feel Players is known for, with its knotty pine paneling and fireplace in the dining area. An expansive volleyball court extend from the back deck with plenty of picnic tables for outdoor seating and a range of food offerings.
Hutchison owns the bar, but his daughter Christy Beyer manages it alongside other members of the family who come by to help out. In his view, the family handles disputes about the direction of the business better than those who aren’t related would.
“I think it is easier,” Hutchison said. “Family understands what needs to be done, we have to work things out. Regular employees, maybe not as much.”
Hutch’s Bar is open from 11 a.m. to midnight. A dart league, pool leagues and music are planned in the coming months. To learn more, check them out on Facebook or call 715-841-0020.
