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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this update from Cuba City, Wis., we will share more developments in Tuesday’s edition.
CUBA CITY, Wis. — What’s in a name?
For Victoria Richter, a lot.
Richter recently opened Big R’s Bar at 122 S. Main St. in Cuba City. The business is named for Richter’s grandfather Richard and her father, Randy “Big R” Sugden, a truck driver and former supper club owner who died in 2019.
Richter’s grandfather started the Cazenovia, Wis., supper club when Richter was 6, and her father later took it over and ran the business until its 2012 sale. Since then, Richter has aspired to follow in their footsteps.
“Being able to carry on something they had so much passion for is a big part of what I’m doing now,” she said. “My family, my grandparents and my mom and dad, they’re all gone, but I know they’d be proud.”
Richter has worked in the bar and restaurant industry for years and has worked at several area establishments prior to opening Big R’s. Opening her own bar was always the goal, Richter said. It was just a matter of “right place, right time.”
The stars aligned this year when she learned about an available space along Cuba City’s Main Street. Previously filled by Coach’s Pub, the building presented a turnkey opportunity that Richter could make her own.
“Most of the remodeling and updates were already done, so there were just some minor things that we needed to do like bringing in some new furniture and decorations,” she said. “After that, we were ready to go.”
Richter said her goal is to create an “inviting and relaxing” atmosphere for both area residents and visitors to enjoy. She hosted a grand opening this month and said she already has seen visitors from as far as Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri.
The bar is open daily and offers a menu of traditional pub fare including pizza, nachos, pretzels, quesadillas and more. Big R’s also will host community events and live music performances, Richter said, including a Halloween party on Nov. 2.
“I’m excited to see all the different people that come in as our name gets out there,” said Richter, who is a Cuba City resident. “I’m a people person. I’ve done a number of jobs over the years, and I know this is the one for me.”
Big R’s Bar opens daily at 11 a.m. with closing times dependent on the day and customer turnout. For more information on the bar and its offerings, visit the Big R’s Bar Facebook page.