Couple reopens Kiel establishment

By Gina Kabat, Tri-County News

Tim Allen Heus and his wife Jennifer knew they wanted to be business owners someday. They just needed the right tools to get started.

Naming their tavern "Tim Allen's" gained them a lot of attention. Many people might associate this name with a popular comedian and television actor with a long running sit-com a few years ago. In reality, the couple brainstormed ideas and names for their bar and settled on the most obvious to them and the most meaningful. Tim Allen is simply Tim's first and middle names. As they searched for their niche in the world of bar ownership and entrepreneurship, naming it what it is just seemed right.

They wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere and a place people could be comfortable and be with their family and friends. "Our goal was to create a warm, cozy, lounge setting and we always want patrons to feel at home. We feel the fireplace, leather furniture, televisions and decor offers this feeling," Tim said.

Kiel historian Ed Majkrzak assisted them in acquiring a few old photos of the establishment from the late 1800s and early 1900s. These photos are part of the décor.

"My wife Jennifer and children Sophia and Andrew are actively involved in the business. My parents Allen and Judy Heus assist in the operations as well," Tim said.

Tim originates from Marytown and St. Anna and went to high school in New Holstein. He had spent the past 15 years in manufacturing, and obtained his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a law enforcement emphasis when he attended college. "My experience in the tavern and restaurant industry had taken place when I was in college," said Tim.

Jennifer (Kiefer) was born and raised in Kiel and also works for the Sheboygan School District. Both Jennifer and Tim graduated in 1989, and have lived in Kiel for 10 years.

The couple saw the building for sale in late 2007 and purchased the property Nov. 26. According to Tim, the establishment needed a fresh coat of paint, light fixtures, coolers, bartending stations, a soda system, seating, and a general updated look. Tim Allen's was open for business Dec. 21.

"We offer a wide variety of domestic, specialty, and import beers," Tim said. Martinis are considered the bar specialty and something that was not very prevalent in the area until now. "We wanted to offer something new to the area," Tim added. Along with the standard drink menu, the martini bar has gained a lot of attention. Tim Allen's has a banquet hall available for private parties and will be serving food once the kitchen is re-established. In the interim, they will assist with all your catering needs to make your party a success.

Establishing themselves as business owners, the couple takes a look around and are proud of what they have served up for themselves so far. "Local businesses and the community were very helpful in our startup, and we especially want to thank our families and friends for help and support," Tim said.

Tim Allen's is located at 901 Fremont St. They offer daily specials and local entertainment.

The couple said they are very fortunate and very involved in their community. They plan to expand this business' local interest with a tailor-made Web site to define their unique atmosphere. Their phone number is 894-1999. Business hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to close, Fridays from 6 a.m. to close, and weekends from noon to close.

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