By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
BUCYRUS — As one local bar and hotel owner retires, another businessman is gearing up to take his place.
Brian Rockwell, Executive Director for the Crawford County Solid Waste Management District and Crawford County Recycling Center, has purchased the Hotel Weaver and the building that houses both the hotel and the Crazy Fox Saloon from Larry Williams. Rockwell will also take over the bar in July as Williams retires and prepares to travel across the country.
“I have been coming to the Crazy Fox for years and I love the history of it,” Rockwell said.
Rockwell said he has already made some changes to the hotel.
“I remodeled the lobby area and changed the name to the Historic Weaver Hotel,” Rockwell said.
Rockwell said eventually he wants to make the hotel, which is actually licensed as an apartment building, available to residents 55 and older.
When it comes to the bar, Rockwell said he will keep the many photos lining the walls.
“That is part of the history that makes this bar great,” Rockwell said.
I have worked for the county for 18 years and at 56-years-old, I am planning to keep my job with the county until retirement,” Rockwell said.
He said that eventually he wants to add some more items to the bar’s menu of Al Capone Burgers, Fox Burgers and the breakfast foods the establishment is well-known for.
“I may put at least part of the back bar in the “Speakeasy” so people can rent the downstairs area for events and private parties. I am thinking about putting in a few pizza ovens and adding things like barbequed ribs to the menu in the back bar area in time,” Rockwell said.
Rockwell said he also wants to make some changes to the patio area of the bar by doing a complete re-do for bands and summer biker poker runs for worthy causes.
“It is a great space for our customers to enjoy in the summer time,” Rockwell said.
Rockwell said he is excited about his new business venture.
“The bar and hotel have not always had the best reputation but it is a great place with a lot of wonderful people. Some say it’s a biker bar but most of the bikers that come here are doctors, lawyers, business people,” Rockwell said. “I am looking forward to having a nice business with great history behind it.”