EVANSDALE - Casey's leprechauns have found a new home in Evansdale.

The popular local bar and restaurant chain with an Irish flair opened a third location at 3521 Lafayette Road in July.

Owners Mike and Lori Kroeger hope catering to what they feel are under-served sports fans in the area will produce a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

When the "For Sale" sign went up late last year in front of Big Bill's Bar and Restaurant, Mike Kroeger saw an opportunity. Bill's was a successful eatery and watering hole. It closed due to the ill health of former owner Bill Spratt. Kroeger thought adding the Casey's name and atmosphere would enhance business.

So far, so good.

"Every week is getting better," said Katie Harn, location manager.

Mike Kroeger said Casey's is known for a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, sports on huge TVs, pool and darts, tasty food and cold drinks - all reasonably priced.

While Evansdale already had an excellent crop of bars, he said, none catered to Casey's target audience. Thanks to Pratt's remodeling efforts, Kroeger said, the building is spacious and in great shape. However, it wasn't Casey's.

The couple added six 100-inch projection televisions, NFL Sunday Ticket, and removed a DJ booth and a few tables to make way for several dart boards. An outdoor beer garden was added.

"We created an atmosphere people want to be involved in. We thought it would be good for the entire area," Kroeger said.

Evansdale City Councilman Kenny Loftus, who own's Lofty's Lounge across from Casey's, hopes so, too.

Loftus doesn't consider Casey's competition. The longtime bar owner said each business has its niche.

Lofty's serves breakfast and has live bands, while Casey's opens at 11 a.m. for the lunch crowd and caters more to sports enthusiasts.

Both Loftus and Kroeger believe all the bars and restaurants feed off each other.

"(Casey's) will bring people to the area, and some of my customers will check out his place. It's a proven fact that we'll benefit from a new bar, even across the street," Loftus said.

He's also impressed the Kroegers immediately joined the recently rejuvenated Evansdale Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm really happy he's taken an interest in the city," Loftus added.

Big Bill's is gone, but certainly not forgotten. The restaurant was famous for its broasted chicken. Casey's, more known for tenderloins and chicken wings, added it to their menu.

Bill's recipe and broasting equipment were part of the deal, Kroeger said.

"One thing I heard from a lot of people: Keep the chicken," Kroeger said.

The couple purchased the original Casey's 218 Pub on University Avenue in Waterloo a little more than 2 1/2 years ago from founder Tim Casey, who happens to be Lori's father. Tim still owns Casey's Pub at 1125 W. Donald St. in Waterloo.

With Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Raymond and the east portion of Waterloo to draw from, Kroeger thinks the business venture is a can't-miss opportunity.

"People say it's so nice to have a Casey's so close," he said.

Ed "Pony" Brown used to frequent the University location, but now spends his time in Evansdale. It's closer and easier to get to from his Hammond Avenue home in Waterloo.

On Wednesday, he enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger for lunch and good conversation with the staff.

"I can just jump on Highway 20 and get here," he said. "I love the people and the atmosphere. You can drink anywhere, but with who is what matters."

Contact Matthew Wilde at

(319) 291-1579 or

matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.