Gregg Nelson, owner of Rue 6 and Squire Ward's, talked at Seward Rotary about keeping his businesses going during the pandemic
Gregg Nelson, owner of the new Squire Ward’s Public House  and Rue 6, addressed Seward Rotary Club as the featured weekly program on June 10, 2021, speaking to his “Seward Story” of owning two restaurants and bars in Seward, especially during the recent Pandemic.  He was introduced by Rotarian Russ Sommerfeld, the June program chair. 
 
Nelson and his wife, Ramona, own and operate both Rue 6 and the recently opened Squire Ward's in Seward.  He noted that the original plan was to create Squire Ward’s first but the opportunity led to the purchase of Rue 6 as a going operation and they took on the challenge of building up that business first, starting in February 2018.
 
Nelson noted that the name of Squire Ward’s is often one of the first things people ask him about.  Nelson said a “squire” is defined as a landowner or attorney and there was a lawyer in the Seward area in the early 1860s named Josiah Ward.  Josiah Ward was asked to give the first address at the first Seward Fourth of July celebration in 1868 on the town square, so the restaurant's name honors the memory of Mr. Ward and Seward's status as the 4th of July City.
 
The bar is located at 133 North 6th and was formerly the Well Bar, Ficken’s Bar and Al’s Bar.  In fact, he said that he worked as a bartender in Ficken’s Bar many years ago. 
He said that the recipes for Rue 6, where he tries to offer a unique variety of food styles, have evolved from the many travels and the many restaurants he has worked in, owned or built over the years during his extensive travels worldwide.  Meanwhile, Squire Ward's approach is "A Five Star-Dive Bar” and features burgers and chicken sandwiches-a simple menu with a fun concept.  He noted that the decorating at Squire Ward’s is a community effort, with customer’s bringing in special, meaningful memories for each customer. 
 
Nelson hopes to bring more energy to downtown Seward and commented on his excitement on the growth of Seward and the area.  His hope is that his businesses, and those started by others, will help give Seward that push that is always needed. “There is a lot of new energy in Seward and we need to capitalize on that energy,” he stated.  “I am very positive on the Downtown Core-and feel that there are many good bones in the area to capitalize on for other new businesses. 
 
Nelson said the biggest problem facing Seward for restaurants is that it is located close to Lincoln and their offerings are a temptation.  It is easy to drive twenty minutes to Lincoln but local businesses need Seward residents to shop and dine in Seward.  His recipe for success has been to attract clientele from beyond Seward, noting that almost one-third of his customer base is from out of town. 
 
He noted that his success is due to his great business partner, Ramona, his wife, and longtime, strong, loyal and dedicated employees.  He commented that he tries to follow the same philosophy of the Rotary “Four Way Test” and tries to treat them in a very fair, respectful manner-showing appreciation for each one-recognizing and thanking them often-stressing they are a valued part of his business.   
 
“We are happy to be back in Seward,” he stated.  “We hope we are part of the Seward puzzle of success and look forward to many fun years in Seward.”
 
Nelson also commented on the success they have enjoyed is due to the extensive social media campaigns. They continue to work with all social media outlets to create interest and develop an image as well as communicate with his loyal customers. His followings are strong and he had developed a loyal readership, valuing that method of advertising. 
Questions and answers followed by members of the Rotary Club.