Top of the Morning, Aug. 16, 2024

Bellying up with ...

On Fridays, we’ll spotlight the men and women serving up cold ones and conversation in our neck of the woods. Let us know about your favorite bartender by emailing ltaylor@news-gazette.com .

Ronnie Johnson wasn’t thinking he’d go in on buying Rosie’s Tavern in Danville when he stopped by in 2018. Sure, he and buddy Scott Eric had been mulling the concept of opening a bar while they hung out at the Knights of Columbus, but they weren’t that serious.

“We go down there, we have a couple beers, and next thing I know, I bought the place,” Johnson said.

The pair had practice serving drinks at the K of C and Johnson’s wife took on the role of bar manager since she had experience.

These days, Johnson doesn’t work regular shifts behind the bar, but he’ll fill in when needed.

His favorite drink to serve is a can of beer. For himself, he’ll open up a can of Michelob Ultra.

“People are always amazed at the place because it’s in the middle of nowhere. We have woods all around us and farmlands,” he said. “The locals are great. If you need something done, there’s somebody that comes in there that knows how to do it.”

There’s a community garden out back with plenty of extra vegetable and often live music during the summer. It’s a historical spot, too: Johnson said Rosie’s has the oldest continuously used liquor license in Vermilion County.

Johnson is known around Danville for more than just owning the bar. In 2007, he took time away from his construction job to sub at St. Paul’s Grade School before a permanent role became available.

“The priest took my hand and said, ‘Our prayers will be answered if you take this position,’ “ Johnson said. “What am I going to say? Make sure God gets the memo and I’ll do it.”

Johnson already had a master’s degree and before long found himself teaching art at Schlarman Academy and Danville Area Community College.

He still teaches at the high school and college alongside owning Rosie’s, but the packed schedule doesn’t bother him.

“If I didn’t have the bar, I would find something else to fill that time.”