Rogersville bar, restaurant changes ownership

A Rogersville bar and restaurant is under new ownership.

Beaks Bar & Grill, 110 Dempsey Drive, was purchased last month by Julie and Ray Krueger, of Rogersville, according to a news release. Jerry Myers, owner of the Springfield-Branson VR Business Sales office, brokered the deal, and the sellers were Richard and Amber Ward.

The financial terms of the deal were undisclosed in the release.

"We had been looking for a solid, growing business to buy that would allow us to return to Missouri, and Beaks was the perfect fit for us," Ray Krueger said in the release.

The Kruegers had been living in Colorado and had sought to move back to the Springfield area. Ray Krueger, who most recently worked as a senior developer for the Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado, has past experience with Southern Tire Mart in Monett and SGC Foodservice in Springfield, according to his LinkedIn profile. Julie Krueger has experience as the owner of an Ozark-based photography business, according to her LinkedIn profile.

The Wards took over the business formerly known as Wildcat Grub & Pub in March 2022. The restaurant has become known for its burgers made with locally sourced beef, according to the release.

"Our goal was to create a great place in Rogersville with great food, great service, to be a family-friendly atmosphere and to be a place where people can gather to socialize and unwind. We have accomplished that goal, and it is now time for us to move on to other adventures," the Wards said in a Dec. 24 Facebook post. "With that being said, we would like to introduce you to the new owners, Ray and Julie. Please give them a warm welcome as I know they are going to continue to do great things with the business."