Last week, Chris McFayden and RF Buche purchased Knothead’s Bar & Grill. This week, they are excited to announce Kristan Soukup of Wagner will assume leadership as Owner/ Operator of the revitalized restaurant.

“GF Buche Co. had planned on adding a patio type bar and restaurant on the west side of Gus Stop (the former Abby’s location)” said Chris McFayden local Pickstown resident and Chief Operating Officer for GF Buche Co. “However, when we started looking at building costs, it just wasn’t making financial sense so we halted construction. Then Knothead's came up for sale and we decided that was the perfect solution so RF and I bought the building and the business together. This area needs a thriving bar and restaurant not only for the locals, but for all the recreational activity going on spring through fall every year.”

“This is a challenge for us because that we are not in the bar/restaurant business,” said RF Buche. “We own Al’s Oasis, but we lease the bar/restaurant and merchandise shop to Sky Dine Inc. With Knothead's, we started making phone calls and running ads to find a tenant. We thought we found one with a local South Dakota couple. Chris and I thought they would really do well running Knothead's. However, a few days before the lease signing some unforeseen circumstances came up and the couple was unable to commit at that time.”

“We were without a tenant and had already signed a purchase agreement to purchase Knothead's” said McFayden. “RF went to work on continuing to find a tenant for us while we simultaneously started looking for team members (employees) to work the business if we did not find someone to lease Knothead's.” “I can barely boil water and the only thing I know about the bar business is how to unscrew a twist top off a beer” RF said jokingly. “We had some other interest from a restaurant owner who owns and operates restaurants in a lake town, but the timing just wasn’t right for him because we needed an answer fast” RF went on to say.

“We were just a week or two away from taking over Knothead's and we had no plan!” RF continued. “That’s when a mutual friend of mine contacted me and said Kristan Soukup might be interested in helping out. I had never met Kristan but obviously know the hard work and integrity of her last name so I contacted her and we met. During the meeting that started out as her helping us run Knothead's, it turned into a management discussion, which then turned to ownership and that is where it landed. She is a bright young lady and I know she is going to do well. The addition of Kristan brings back a familiar face with big plans for the future.”

“I’ve always loved this place and deeply see the need for it in this area” said Kristan. “I love seeing all the locals come to enjoy a small-town bar as well as vacationers from different areas. During my early conversations with RF, I figured out that I do have an entrepreneurial spirit and Knothead's is a great opportunity to grow it. I am young and feel I have the ambition and the vision for Knothead's to be at its best. I will continue to keep my nursing job and my passion for horse training and competing has not gone away. However, I have some big plans for this place and can’t wait to get Knothead's up and going. I am starting with building a strong team, efficient and friendly customer service, and making the necessary changes before the busy season starts.”

Kristan stated “We plan to serve breakfast but probably not right away. My main concern right now is getting Knothead's up and going with lunch and supper which is where I have experience. However, I understand the need for breakfast in the area and hope to be the go-to place for pancakes, eggs, biscuits and gravy etc. I can’t wait to have the best “damn” breakfast around!”

“We are closing temporarily. We will be remodeling the bathrooms, doing some equipment replacement including air conditioner units” said Soukup. We are updating along with some deep cleaning over the next couple weeks. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for more up to date news.”

“I will have a new menu reintroducing 402 Beef that is born and raised just 20 minutes from Knothead's because supporting locals is very important to me,“ announced Kristan. Knothead's will also be doing interviews and hiring during the temporary closure. Please contact Kristan through the website or Facebook Page “Knothead's Bar & Grill” if you are interested in applying. “The Buche team has forwarded me all the applications they received from their website with some interviews happening soon,” Kristan went on to say.

“We plan to open the Gus Stop April 2nd so Knothead's and the convenience store will be cohabitating until then,” said McFayden. “Coffee drinkers will continue to be welcome in their regular spot. GF Buche Co. will continue operating the gas under the banner Gus Stop Express that will be 24/7 pay at the pump only station. With us having Gus Stops in Lake Andes, Wagner and Pickstown this will save on transportation costs of petroleum products and will reflect with Pickstown seeing lower gas prices than they have in the past.”

After April 2nd, Kristan says she plans on turning the convenience store side into a gaming area. “I don’t have plans fully completed yet, but I see this as a room with pool, darts and other indoor activities for not only night time and winter months but also during rainy days at river. We also plan to bring back some live music as well as other events like karaoke, card playing tournaments, wine and beer tastings, bingo and more. I’m hoping Knothead's can be a destination not only for good food and service but also entertainment and having fun!”