Storm Lake Times Pilot

Schulenberg returns to roots to open Alta sports bar



The building at 208 S. Main St. in Alta is being refurbished and will reopen later this month as Bob’s Sports Bar & Grille, named in honor of new owner Phillip Schulenberg’s late father.

Aurelia area native Phillip Schulenberg has bought Scooter’s Bar & Grill in Alta and has changed its name to Bob’s Sports Bar & Grille in memory of his father, Bob Schulenberg. 

Schulenberg, 31, has temporarily closed the business at 208 S. Main St. to make improvements with plans to reopen later in August. The entire floor is being refinished and some corrugated steel will be added for a more rustic atmosphere. 

“What I want to bring to it is my character,” Schulenberg said. “I want it to be a nice place to relax.” 

Phillip Schulenberg

At the bar will be eight taps with multiple craft beer options. On the menu will be classic bar food like burgers, sandwiches and wings. And for you football lovers, Schulenberg will have DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket package with every NFL game playing.

For those hoping for a lunchtime option, Bob’s will open at 11 a.m. every day but Monday. 

Schulenberg left his job as a sales manager for West O Beer in the Okoboji area to start the new bar. He will be behind the bar and he’s in the process of interviewing folks for additional positions.

Working in Alta will be somewhat like coming home because he knows so many people in the area. Schulenberg grew up between Aurelia and Cherokee. He is a 2009 graduate of Washington High School in Cherokee and a 2013 graduate of Buena Vista University.

His brother Justin and wife Mary live on the outskirts of Aurelia and Mary runs New Reflections Salon in Aurelia. Schulenberg’s mom, Julie, lives in Paulina.

Until he sells his house at the lakes, Schulenberg is renting a place in Aurelia with plans to move to Alta.

The public has been enthusiastic about Schulenberg’s new venture.

“Everybody’s excited to try something a little bit different,” he said. “We’ve had a huge following.”

He’s already attracted more than 620 likes on his new Facebook page advertising Bob’s Sports Bar & Grille.

Many people remember Schulenberg’s father, too. “He loved sports and good food,” he said. Bob passed away nine years ago.

Schulenberg has tentatively scheduled a soft opening for the public on Sunday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 26. A grand opening is planned for Aug. 27.

Leave a Reply