While looking for a new home, Alvin and Lisa Keller stumbled upon a deal they couldn't pass up. In addition to buying a new home, they became business owners.
They opened the Broken Arrow Bar in Manning on Sept. 1.
A house and what was formerly Club 22 were being sold as a package and after discussing the possibility of owning a tavern, the Kellers decided to jump on it.
"We thought 'well ok, let's do it,'" Lisa Keller said. "We just kind of fell into it."
She had thought about opening a bar before, and thought they would be good at running one.
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"We're very kind, very talkative and outgoing," said Lisa Keller. "We're good with people."
Rusti Arthur, who moved to Manning with the Kellers and works at the bar said she is enjoying the town and the business.
"There's local hangouts that come here all the time and they're nice people," Arthur said.
Lisa Keller agreed.
"It's nice being in a small town and getting to know the people," Lisa Keller said. "It's a good community. There's good people in this town."
The Broken Arrow Bar features a karaoke machine with thousands of songs to choose from. So far, Arthur said karaoke has been a hit.
"People even danced. They moved the tables and danced," Arthur said. "I was surprised when I saw people doing that."
They plan to have karaoke nights once a month but people can come in whenever they want to sing.
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"The Karaoke is always set up," Lisa Keller said. "If someone wants to come in and sing, all they have to do is put a CD in."
They plan to have steak fries once a month on Saturdays. They also want to serve food every Sunday, such as chili and soup.
During the week, customers can enjoy other food such as pizzas, and appetizers.
The Kellers don't plan to make any dramatic changes to the bar, but a few small changes will be made. The ceiling is full of signatures from past customers. The Kellers are painting over the names to make room for new signatures.
"We'll start our own little memory," Lisa Keller said.
The Kellers are also looking into adding a patio space so people can enjoy a drink outside.
A Halloween costume party is also being planned for the end of October.
Lisa Keller said being a new business owner has been hard work, but it's been worth it.
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"I like being my own boss and making money for myself, not other people," Lisa Keller said. "It's the customers that make your job worth it."
The Broken Arrow Bar is located at 349 Manning Avenue. The business is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 1 a.m. Sundays.
To contact the Kellers, call 701-573-4326.
