After almost 2.5 years of planning, volunteerism and construction, the Patriot Bar will finally open its doors for the first time on Oct. 3 at its grand opening event.

Located at 406 N. Fourth St., the bar will be open all day with raffles, giveaways, a taco night and live music by Sonic Groove at 6 p.m.  

Commander Robert Martin, Sr. Vice Commander Terry Alling and Quartermaster David Morgensen, all longtime VFW Post 889 board members, oversaw the transformation of the space after Mik's, which rented the space and the VFW's liquor license, closed in 2023. 

"We've been thinking about it for years," Martin said. 

All revenue stays with the Post. About 300 combat veterans vote on where funds are directed. Morgensen said he fields calls daily from veterans in need, from a tank of gas to housing support. 

"This is going to give us a flow of income that we can really go out and help," Martin said. "When a veteran calls, we find a way." 

After "gutting" the building and hauling away nearly 25 containers of debris, the VFW completed a top-to-bottom remodel of the space, including upgrades in lighting, kitchen service, decor and more. Jeremy Glenwinkel, an Army and Marine Corps veteran, designed and built the bar and donated his time and labor. 

Sometime in the future, the Post will remove the temporary bar counter and install an epoxy counter filled with donated local and worldwide badges, coins and patches.  

The Post funded the renovation without loans by selling its hard-liquor license and using the proceeds for the buildout. The Post plans to apply quickly for a club liquor license so members and guests can order full spirits again. 

The interior emphasizes stories and service. Walls display patches, pictures, coins and artifacts from around the world and from different times. A community remembrance wall honors fallen officers and service members. A missing-man table sits beneath a television that will loop local first-responder and military photos. Twelve TV screens will carry games and events and guests can sponsor barstools, with proceeds supporting the Post. 

Everything you see on these walls is a story," Alling said.

Manager Callie Kellogg, a Coeur d'Alene native, oversees the bar and the newly opened event center above it, which seats 200. The kitchen will offer a house-made menu featuring scratch-made sauces and more. Planned programming includes Wine Wednesdays, live music and pool and dart tournaments.

The Post is asking for coin, badge and patch donations for the future epoxied bar countertop. 

The Patriot Bar will be open all day for its grand opening event on Oct. 3. Organizers invite the public to become part of a space built by and for those who have served. 

Quartermaster David Morgensen, Commander Bob Martin and Sr. Vice Commander Terry Alling showcase a sponsored stool commemorating the late Lew Allert, a Marine Corps veteran.