Blue Dog Inn turns 280!! – dog years

[October 20, 2019]  

The Blue Dog Inn is excited to announce its 40th Anniversary on October 23, 2019. As a special thank you to our loyal customers and friends, we will feature the original 1979 menu at 1979 prices. Sandwiches include a cheeseburger, a ¼ lb. hot dog, a brat dog, and Ham and cheese. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Take out is limited to 4 per menu item. We hope everyone will come by and help us celebrate!

The Blue Dog Inn is located at 111 S. Sangamon St in Lincoln’s Historic District. Prior to 1979 the building was home of the Illinois Tavern which was owned and operated for several decades by Grover Field and subsequently his son, Bob Field.

On the summer of 1979 the business/building was purchased by Louis and Bonnie Hardacre, who with the help of many of their friends began to re-purpose it into what became the Blue Dog Inn restaurant and bar. One of those friends who participated in the renovation was local businessman, artist, restorationist and historian, Bob Neal.

According to Bob’s very shaky memory some of the others who helped were, Mike and Bobbi Abbott, Mark and Kathy Tebrugge, Bill and Laurie Bates, Mark Graue, JB Shockey, Ted Perry, Jay and Debbie Harrison, Rod and Judy Luckhart and others. Local lore has it the Blue Dog Inn was named after Bob Verderber’s dog named Blue.

For almost 29 of its 40 years the Blue Dog Inn was owned and operated by Susie Furher along with her late husband, Louis, and her current husband Steve. At her retirement in 2009, the business was sold to Barb and John Blackburn,

“Our goals were and still are to maintain the historic presence of the business and buildings while enlarging the seating capacity and modernizing the kitchen,” said John. “In late 2012, working closely with the city to increase street parking, we expanded into the adjoining building, adding a dining room and large, commercial kitchen. With the help of our many long time employees and customers, we have preserved this staple for the community of Lincoln and provided quality food and service at small town prices.” “Please join us on Oct. 23rd for the celebration!”

[Barb Blackburn]