By Mark Constance
ROSCOMMON – Fred’s Restaurant in Roscommon has been sold!
The long-time Roscommon business was officially purchased Oct. 31 by Zeek and Lexi Millikin, currently of St. Helen.
The Millikin’s purchased Fred’s from long-time owners Ed Roginski and Kathy Bair. Their partner, Neal Cooley, passed away earlier this year.
“(We) are beyond excited to take on this new journey and ask for your patience for not only us, but the staff as well through this transition,” Lexi said. “Ed, Kathy, and Neal (may he rest in peace) have done such an amazing job with the restaurant … We hope to continue to be as welcoming as they have always been.”
According to the company website, “Fred’s” restaurant & bar was established in 1956 by Fred Martindale. In the beginning “Fred’s” had only 14 tables, 8 bar stools and the employees consisted of Fred and a few employees.
Adjacent to “Fred’s” was a bowling center called Cherven Lanes. Bowlers would purchase drinks from “Fred’s” and had to drink in “Fred’s,” while looking through a window waiting to bowl.
In the early 80’s, Martindale turned over the reins of “Fred’s” to his son and wife, Fred Jr. & Vicki Fred, and Vicki expanded “Fred’s” and purchased Cherven Lanes.
“Fred’s” fell on tough times and closed its doors in 2003. After sitting idle for several years, it was purchased in 2008 by Bair and Roginski. After a full remodel, Fred’s Bowling Center re-opened on July 4, 2008, and the restaurant followed Nov. 17. However disaster struck Dec. 17 that same when a flood destroyed the lanes. However, the team rebounded a few months later, restoring the building and installing a state-of-the-art bowling center.
Cooley came on board in 2009, bringing more than 35 years of restaurant, bar & catering experience.
In the past, “Fred’s” has supported local schools, held fund raisers for worthy efforts like “Relay for Life” & Special Olympics, and hosts local organizations including Roscommon Rotary.
Lexi emphasized that Fred’s would continue to be what it’s always been: A family restaurant with great food served in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“For anyone who is worried about things changing … we just want to put your minds at ease that the bowling alley and everything else will remain,” Lexi said.
Fred’s is located at 430 North Fifth Street in Roscommon. Regular hours are Monday and Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For information call 989-275-6565 or visit fredsofroscommon.com.
