Getting to Know Rich Lavalle, owner of Buckhorn Bar & Grill

The Buckhorn Bar & Gill, located at 830 N. Adams St, Dixon, offers more than you might think.

Though they are known for lots of 21+ fun, with their slogan, "Never a cover, always a party, and everyone is always welcome", Lavallee makes great contributions to Dixon, hosting many charity fundraisers and sponsoring local youth teams.

Dixon Patch caught up with owner, Rich Lavallee, to help readers get to know him and his business a little better.

1. What is your business and how long has it been in town?

I have been the sole owner of Buckhorn Bar & Grill for almost five years; however, the bar was established in 1932.   

2. What is your favorite part of owning a business in Dixon, what made you decide you wanted to own a business here?

My parents moved me to Dixon when I was three years old, from Rhode Island. Watching my dad enjoy being a business owner of a repair shop while I was growing up made me realize I wanted to own my own business here. I am a social person, I love it when people stop in the bar, even if they don't buy a beer just to chit-chat. 

3. Before you owned the bar, what did you do?

I was a mechanic with my father for 15 years, I also worked for Ron Duprat for three years, and was a yard manager for SW Mertz.

4. What do you do for fun, when you aren't working?

Everything. I race Nascar on Saturday nights, I do Demolition Derbys as often as I can, riding motorcycles. I love spending time my family and fiance. I am also a partial in Segovia's with my brother in law, so I help out there.    

5. Do you have a specific memory at Buckhorn you'd like to share?

The best memory is when I brought my motorcycle into the bar and burnt off in the middle of the dance floor, I caught traction and lost it. I broke the stage and my ankle.

My most memorable memory is when my, would be now, fiance when she walked in the door. I meant her at a small event that night, told her I was the owner to draw her in, and it worked. She came in that night and we have been together ever since.

6. What is the most popular drink you guys serve?

We have the coldest beers in town; we go through a lot of beer. But my favorite drink is called a Jumpin' Jack Splash. I have no idea whats in it, one of my favorite customers concocted it, come in and try it.

7. How do you stay active in the Dixon community? Do you have a favorite Dixon event?

I love the Mayfair, have always loved it since i was a kid. There isn't always a lot to do in town for kids, so it's something they look forward to for the concerts derby, parade, and fun. I also co-sponsor the Renegade Bike Show and I MC it. I love being able to entertain there.

I have two nephews and two nieces, a son and step-daughter that I enjoy participating and watching in all of their activities. And I donate whenever I can to community events and sports teams.

The bar also hosts several charity fundraisers that we donate the proceeds to local less fortunate people.

8. If you could travel/vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I love Hawaii and that used to be my favorite, but my fiance has recently turned me on to Puerto Vallarta, we actually just got back from there, so it is a toss up between those.

9. What events, parties, fun to you have upcoming?

We host a Chili Cook-Off that is coming up, we had the event last year and had 20 entries, and its growing this year. The Turkey Bowl is near Thanksgiving, a charity event where we roll turkeys at bowling pins, lots of fun and a great cause. Beer for Bikes is coming up to, bring in an operating bike for us to donate at Christmas time and your first beer is free. We also have a wreaths collection coming up to decorate the National Cemetery, and a toy and coat drive. 

10. What is something that people might not know about the Buckhorn Bar & Grill?

We do small event catering available for weddings and parties. Our kitchen is open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and if you haven't had a Buckhorn Burger, you're missing out. Our menu rotates often, but we always have fantastic fish & chips on Fridays.

We offer guest bartending for those who have ever wanted to be a bartender to come try it out.

Karaoke nights on Wednesdays, with Ted Collins of American Karaoke Wednesday, with raffle awards for things like the best singer, singer who sang the most songs, ect.

We also have potluck Sunday football with expanded cable to offer every game on our eight tvs.

To follow the Buckhorn Bar & Grill on Facebook, click here. You can stay up on all of their upcoming events make sure you send them a friend request. You can also check out their website.