Duluth residents and visitors, get ready to raise a glass to a beloved name making a comeback! The iconic bar located at 323 W. First St., known to many as the Pioneer, is set to reopen under a new moniker that pays homage to its storied past: Roscoe’s Pioneer Bar. Owners Curt Oberg and Ross “Roscoe” Ferrell are at the helm, bringing fresh energy and a distinct sporting theme to this downtown Duluth establishment.
For those who fondly remember calling it simply “The Pioneer,” this news is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The location has seen a revolving door of names and concepts in recent times. Most recently, it operated as Live Downtown under Chuck Koltes, who endeavored to establish it as a live music venue. Prior to that, it was known as Oly’s, and even earlier, it served patrons as Hero’s, each under different ownership.
Koltes, reflecting on his experience with Live Downtown, acknowledged the challenges of running a bar, particularly the seasonal fluctuations in Duluth. “I think my lack of experience in the bar business caused me to make some poor decisions,” Koltes admitted, citing over-scheduling live music and the difficulty of attracting customers away from the bustling waterfront, even with the bar’s proximity to Canal Park. Despite the challenges, Koltes expressed fondness for his time operating the bar and the connections he made, hinting at a potential return to the Duluth bar scene in the future, armed with valuable lessons learned.
Oberg and Ferrell, who officially took possession of the bar this Tuesday, are seasoned veterans of the Duluth bar scene. Oberg previously owned and successfully ran O’Gilby’s on E. Fourth St. for years until its closure last May due to the building’s sale to SMDC Health System and the subsequent lease non-renewal. Ferrell served as O’Gilby’s night manager, bringing a wealth of experience to this new venture. While they appreciate live music, the new Roscoe’s Pioneer Bar will shift gears towards a sports-centric atmosphere.
“We’re more into a sports theme,” Oberg stated, indicating a departure from the previous focus on nightly live music. Patrons can expect to see an influx of television screens broadcasting sporting events, alongside sports jerseys and various pieces of sports memorabilia adorning the walls in the coming weeks. While live music may still feature occasionally, it will not be the bar’s primary draw.
Roscoe’s Pioneer Bar aims to tap into the Duluth community’s love for sports, offering a welcoming space to catch games, socialize, and enjoy the classic bar experience that many remember from the Pioneer’s earlier days. With experienced owners and a clear vision, this revitalized establishment is poised to become a popular spot once again in downtown Duluth.
