06/02/2026
A Heartfelt Farewell from The Abbey Bar:
After 52 years, it’s time to close a chapter that has meant so much to me and my family. The Abbey Bar has never been just a local bar and restaurant in De Pere, it has been a home, a gathering place, and a constant thread running through generations of family, friends, and St. Norbert College neighbors.
My siblings and I quite literally grew up inside these walls. I was 9 years old in 1974 when The Abbey Bar opened its doors. In 1990, my dad Al and his partner Steve Harrison, trusted me with the business they built. I’ve always said I’m grateful they gave me the chance, and even more grateful that I didn’t mess it up. I never imagined that “helping out at the family bar” would turn into a 36‑year run, but what a run it has been. I’ve often joked that The Abbey is a bit like Neverland and I’ve been Peter Pan, refusing to grow up as long as this place kept me young.
…but what made The Abbey magical wasn’t the building. It was the people.
To the coworkers who became friends, and the friends who became family, thank you. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside my parents, my siblings, nieces, nephews, and eventually my own kids. I’ve had the privilege of hiring countless employees over the years, many of whom stayed in touch long after their last shift. Some even loved The Abbey enough to let their own children work here too. That kind of loyalty is rare, and I don’t take it lightly.
To our loyal customers, thank you. Some of you came for the food, some for the drinks, many for the conversations, and all for the sense of belonging. You met lifelong friends here; you met your lifetime partners here; you made memories with every visit. You went to The Abbey, but you also came to hang out with me, my brother, my dad or my staff. Your support carried us through every era, several recessions, and even a pandemic.
At 60, I’m happily married, proud of our two grown children who thankfully are far too smart to follow me into the bar and restaurant business, and deeply thankful that I get to walk away on my own terms. Not everyone in this industry gets that gift.
I’m ready, excited even for the next chapter. But this isn’t goodbye to The Abbey entirely. I fully intend to keep the Abbey brand alive in new ways, and I hope you’ll stay connected with what comes next.
From the bottom of my heart: thank you for 52 years of memories, laughter, hard work, and community. Thank you for letting my family be part of all your lives. And thank you for being part of ours.
We are planning a farewell celebration for Friday & Saturday June 12th & 13th. Our closing date is still undetermined but will follow soon after. Everything in the Abbey will be auctioned off online with those details to follow as well.
Stay posted for more details and l Iook forward to seeing you soon.
