KENNEWICK, Wash. – Dive bars hold a special place in our communities, and the Village Tavern in Kennewick is no exception.
Since July 7 is National Dive Bar Day, one of Kennewick’s oldest bars joined Wake Up NonStop Local to talk about what makes these establishments unique.
Ruan Hollenback, the bar’s third-generation owner embraces its dive bar status with pride. “We wear it like a badge of pride,” said Hollenback.
The dive bar atmosphere is something that develops over time and can’t simply be constructed.
“You can’t build a brand-new building for a sports bar example and make it all fancy. It has to be lived in,” the Hollenback added.
This unique environment is created through various elements like seating and wall decorations, the menu, pull tabs, and the history and memories patrons have with the bar itself.
Hollenback emphasized the importance of a tight-knit crew of bartenders who are personable and able to please regulars.
“I try to hire people who are personable and able to please my regulars, number one,” said the owner.
Regular patrons, many of whom have been coming for years, form the backbone of the bar’s community.
“I’ve always thought of this place as my friend’s parents’ basement,” Hollenback said.
She emphasized the importance of preserving the cozy, old-fashioned feel while adapting to necessary changes.
“These are people that I’ve grown up around… I mean, they knew my grandparents, they knew my parents,” Hollenback stated.
The Village Tavern remains a beloved gathering place for locals, offering a space where people from all walks of life can connect.
As Hollenback said, “It’s very important” for regulars to have a place to mingle with others they might not meet otherwise.
