By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

The new owners of the Corner Bar appreciate that their establishment has deep roots within the community. Although under new ownership, it is still being run by members of the same family. Manager Nikki Cummins and her sister, assistant manager Chelsea Cummins-Baxter, appreciate the hard work that their aunt Diane Thompson put into the business for many years.

‘We really want to honor her and everything she did for this place because she was truly the heart and soul of it,’ said Nikki. ‘We are building on the community she formed and carrying on our family tradition of the bar in this community.’

The business, located at 40-42 Mechanic Street, has been shuttered for two years. It was recently revamped and was reopened Feb. 28. So far, customers have responded positively.

‘There was some chatter for a while now because people would see vehicles outside and see us working here over the last few months,’ said Nikki.

The bar’s Facebook page, Bradford Corner Bar, already has more than 800 followers. Customers can keep abreast of specials, updates and giveaways through the Facebook page.

‘That will be our primary source for getting information out there so people will want to keep an eye on that,’ said Nikki.

In anticipation of the opening many things have been revamped, from the parking lot to the roof. There have also been structural changes such as adding windows and walls that have helped to bring more

Corner… page A-8

The Corner Bar has been revamped and reopened on Mechanic Street in Bradford.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

~ Comer Bar Manager Nikki Cummins and her sister, Assistant Manager Chelsea Cummins-Baxter, are carrying on a family tradition.

Era photo by Savannah Barr sunlight into the bar area. They have added new recessed lighting, new paint and a backsplash to the bar, among other cosmetic changes. This work was a labor of love, the sisters said.

“People had mentioned to us over and over again that this had been their spot and they missed having it open,” said Nikki.

“They missed having a place where they could meet up with their friends and feel at home,” said Chelsea.

“We hope we are bringing that back to them,” said Nikki. “We already have some regulars from the old days who are stopping by again and it is great to see those faces.”

The sisters said that they could never have accomplished all of these changes without dedicated professionals from around the community, including Cummins Construction, Sherman Heating and Air Conditioning, Bottorf Embroidery, Fuse Prints, and J.A. Frisina for paving.

“Everyone has loved how we brightened the place up in here,” said Chelsea.

The non-smoking establishment is a family friendly space that allows children earlier in the day. They also have an outdoor space for those who would prefer to eat outside.

“We want people to feel comfortable bringing their families here,” said Nikki. “We still want it to be fun on the nights and weekends for everyone but throughout lunch and times like that we do try to have things for the kids as well.”

The Corner Bar’s menu offers everything from wings to burgers, pizzas and quesadillas.

They are also adding some new touches with sauces such as garlic aioli and smoked jalapeno mayo. They have their own, special take on the classics.

“We don’t do a standard 80/20 mix with our hamburger,” said Nikki.

“We do a mix of premium angus filet, ground chuck and brisket so you get all those flavors together and it is really incredible.”

Continuing to honor local tradition, they are serving up the City Line’s lizard sauce, rebranded as blazing berry sauce. They were given the recipe by the former owner of the City Line.

“We want to keep that traditional atmosphere that Diane built while incorporating local favorites,” said Chelsea.

The menu will continue to evolve and expand as the bar staff navigates through these first opening weeks.

They plan to bring back much-beloved home recipes that Thompson served for years.

“We are planning on bringing back some of Diane’s homemade recipes like her stuffed peppers and fish fry,” said Nikki. “Her wings and spuds were very popular as well so we kept them on the menu.”

So far, the soft opening has been a fluid process.

“That is really thanks to our amazing staff who are learning as they go,” said Nikki. They plan to have a grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony once the weather gets warmer and guests can eat out on the deck.

In the future, the sisters are planning to remodel and reopen the upstairs area. They would also like to start hosting themed nights. Presently, Wednesdays are wing night.

“We are planning on doing a ladies’ night, maybe a Jeep night and trivia night,” said Nikki.

They are planning to bring in live music and participate in several upcoming community fundraisers. They will participate in the Barstool Open, a golf fundraiser that supports Kids and Cancer, and the Celebrity Bartender event, which benefits the United Way of the Bradford Area.

Nikki said, “We know and love this community so of course we want to give back to it.”