Clubhouse Bar+Grille set to open
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By Priscilla Alvik
ELLSTON, Iowa — What started out as a consult for Nick Kuhn became an adventure in May of 2021 as Nick and his wife Lynn accept the challenge of running “The Clubhouse Bar+Grille.
Nick, a former engineer by trade with a flare for cooking, put his critical thinking expertise into high gear as he dealt with a labor shortage, and the absence of food delivery trucks in the local area. Let me also mention that the whole country was then entering the “Post-COVID” phase of learning how we all were to re-enter into public group settings.
Nick and Lynn met every challenge head on. From one of my first encounters with Lynn I could tell she was creative and thought out of the box, which is a fabulous attribute to possess in business, and it was easy to pick up on Nick’s problem solving capabilities during my interview with him a week ago as we chatted about his journey from 2021 to present day.
My initial reaction to The Clubhouse Bar + Grille back in 2021 was anything but positive. I will admit the information gleaned was from close friends who had given the restaurant a try and walked away disappointed. Sadly, I let others form a perception in my mind. Being human, I committed a huge error.
Listening to Nick’s journey I started to understand why the restaurant process was set-up differently than the norm people were used to “Pre-COVID,” it all made so much sense hearing it from the source.
Five years later into 2026, Nick and Lynn have successfully been the longest running tenants of the restaurant located in Ellston’s Sun Valley community. This phase of the Kuhn’s journey into the restaurant business has ushered in more change starting with the restaurant’s name.
The “NEW” name is now “BB, Big Bend Bar+Grille.” reflecting the message the Kuhn’s are sending out into Ringgold County, “That ALL are Welcome.” That their restaurant is not a private Sun Valley restaurant but a restaurant that is open to the public.
Nick’s restaurant menu has been pared down to simplicity. Great food with a moderate price point. He takes into consideration families with kids, and the need to get the kids fed quickly before mayhem erupts in the dinning room from a “Kid’s High” that we all know too well. Nick also focus on food that is easily prepared with an 8-10 minute turn around from order point to plating. Also, Nick’s signature cocktail menu has been in the making for 10 years, with every ingredient precisely measured out producing a drink that tastes consistently the same. So much detail has been considered by Nick and Lynn, they have left no cupboard door on open in their thought processes.
Although I have not as of yet enjoined the Big Ben Bar+Grille experience (I will soon), I want to share “The Iowa Gallivant’s Experience” dining at the restaurant on April 23. “The “Pizza Smashburger” coated his mustache with pizza sauce, gave his taste buds a little kick and literally “Smashed” him with goodness.” The reason he wore his “HULK” t-shirt that day!
Looking into the future, Lynn expressed their sentiment to, “Do our best.” More advertising, events, delivery of pizza locally, catering and melding into the community as one big family, while having fun.
You can only decide for yourself about any experience. Do yourself a favor and visit Big Bend Bar+Grille. Nick has your table set, and is ready to greet you with a smile and open arms. Remember, “ALL are Welcome!”
