Three members of The Pump staff stand in front of the bar. Irene Taylor runs the kitchen, Derek Doran manages the bar and his mom Lisa Doran helps out where needed. News Herald Photos/ Allison Graham

What was once a dream is now a reality. The Pump formerly known as the The Town Pump opened its doors on Friday, May 18.

The Pump is owned by Nate Doran and Jeff Neidermann. By day the two are teachers at South Tama County High School. Doran teachers Art and is also the Head Varsity Football Coach while Neidermann teaches Industrial Technology.

The idea of co-owning a bar was born five years ago. Doran and Neidermann even sought out a space in Toledo but the location didn’t pan out. Years passed, but the idea still remained even at the backs of their minds. Then this Christmas the idea was reborn. After months of work remodeling they now have a bar that serves food they are proud of.

So far, things are going well but Doran and Neidermann also know they are “learning as they go” as Neidermann stated.

“It’s been a blessing but also tough,” said Doran, “there’s been a lot of trial and error.”

The focus for them has always been a bar first but a bar that serves quality fresh food. Irene Taylor joined the staff as the cook. She has provided not only delicious eats but also knowledge on how to run the kitchen.

The current menu includes items such as wings, tenderloins, the Famous Rock Star Burger, chicken sandwiches as well as appetizers like fried corn nuggets and onion rings. Their beef patties and pork tenderloins are brought in fresh every day. They also offer daily specials such as hot beef on Wednesdays or shrimp po’ boys on Fridays.

Future goals for the bar include a Trojan Coaches Club for the public to attend and more events with live music and sporting events.

Their staff includes owners Doran and Neidermann, Derek Doran, manager and brother of owner Nate Doran, Irene Taylor (cook) and Matt Vest (bartender). There has also been help from other family members and friends.

The bar opens each day at 11 a.m. Tuesday’s they close at 2 p.m. Hours for the kitchen are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday’s from 11-2, Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (fryer only). Fryer foods are available after 5 p.m.

The Pump pays hommage to its roots by displaying the former Town Pump sign inside of the bar. The sign hangs on the freshly exposed brick that was part of the remodel for The Pump.