Same friendly atmosphere will remain as Pocket City Pub ownership changes
Melanie Prew and Jason Doeseckle last week took over ownership of Pocket City Pub. Bart Knight, pictured with dog Willie, had owned the McGregor tavern for two decades. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
McGregor’s Pocket City Pub has new ownership for the first time in two decades. Bart Knight, who purchased the tavern in 2004 with late wife Linda, last week handed the keys over to Melanie Prew and Jason Doeseckle.
“It was time for me to sell,” said Knight, “but I didn’t just want to sell it to anyone. I was going to be picky.”
Little did Knight know he wouldn’t have to look further than a former long-time employee and friend in Prew.
She said the idea started as a joke while she and fiance Doeseckle were at Pocket City one day. Walking out later, she told him, “Maybe we should.”
Doeseckle thought about it for a few days.
“He said, ‘It’s not a bad idea,’” Prew recalled. “Then, he was almost more gung ho than me.”
When Knight found out, “I didn’t want to sell it to anyone else,” he said.
Prew described Pocket City Pub as a second home. She worked at the tavern for 19 years, at first filling in while staff celebrated Christmas, and later becoming a regular staple. When her mom passed away, Knight, the staff and regulars “supported me through the whole thing,” she said.
Likewise, when Knight was sick, Prew and fellow employee Kathy Doyle helped Linda run the bar. And they joined the McGregor community in supporting Bart through Linda’s passing.
“Bart is like my other dad. I feel like I’m taking over a family business. And you’re the son-in-law,” she said, gesturing to Doeseckle.
Because of this, Prew anticipates an “easy transition.”
While some painting and reorganization might be in store for the bar in the next year or so, Prew and Doeseckle don’t foresee making a lot of changes at Pocket City Pub. The name will remain the same, Knight will continue living upstairs and Knight’s dog Willie, the bar’s unofficial mascot, will still have his designated corner.
An avid Kansas State fan—particularly football—Knight helped make Pocket City McGregor’s go-to sports bar. Those touches will remain, along with an emphasis on Iowa and Iowa State sports, according to Doeseckle.
“You can watch all the football games here,” he said.
The couple also plans to remain active in the community, continuing Pocket City’s support of MFL MarMac Friends Helping Friends as well as a Christmas giving tree for Great River Care Center, a Valentine’s Day tree that collects donations for Crossing Rivers Health hospice and a drive for the animal shelter.
Doeseckle also wants to form an annual golf outing.
“We’re looking to do even more for the community,” Prew stressed.
Among Prew and Doeseckle’s immediate plans are extending the bar’s hours and creating regular drink specials.
“We’re adding drinks like Moscow Mules and margaritas,” Prew said.
“They’re turning it from a dive bar into a real bar,” Knight joked.
Patrons can expect to see Prew and Doeseckle, who also has bartending experience, at Pocket City regularly. The couple is happy to carry on the business that is a favorite hangout for regulars as well as tourists.
“Bart has built a great business. We have big shoes to fill,” Prew said, “but we’re excited to keep that same friendly atmosphere.”
“And if you’ve enjoyed that atmosphere the last 20 years, it’s going to remain the same. You won’t know there’s been a change,” Doeseckle added.
They appreciate Knight and all he’s done for McGregor. Knight appreciates the community too.
“I appreciate the business over the years,” he said. “It’s the customer who make the bar.”
Now, joked Prew, “Bart is waiting for a call from Kansas State, as he’s a free agent.”
Pocket City Pub is located at 144 Main St., in McGregor. Follow “Pocket City Pub” on Facebook for regular updates.
