Idle Hour

04/30/2025

Hey Everyone, I’ve waited some time for updating you on the IH situation. This is partially because not much has changed from the last post. Our business insurance is still in process and depending on how that works out, is crucial on what direction we can go with the rebuild. We would Love to bring the IH back bigger and better but, we’re not sure that can be done. We would settle for what we’ve always had but again…We have to wait to see how that plays out. We have gutted most the fire damage and are ready for the next step but there is a lot still to do. Pretty much new everything including mechanicals, electrical, plumbing, equipment, furniture,bar, etc, etc. . Another big decision is if Martha, Kelly and I will reopen the IH once it’s finished. I have not mixed my words and have told everyone that ask, that the answer is probably not. However! I fully plan to rebuild it and we will make the decision as that time drawers nearer. If we decide to sell. I have every intention to keep the price at a minimum so that the new owners would have a good platform to work from. We too want to see the Idle Hour around for many more years. So, my plan is to set it up for success. Anyhow, I hope insurance will get settled in May. If it does, that still puts a remodel finish into late fall.

The photos below is the same angle. A day after the fire and where we are at now.

01/06/2025

It’s been four weeks since a fire ravaged the Idle Hour. We wanted to give an update to our friends, fans and community. First the facts… Per FD and Insurance Investigations. The fire started downstairs in a prep cooler compressor compartment. The fire took hold and spread behind the wall at the grill area. That wall allowed the fire to spread quickly and get up to the original wooden beadboard ceiling. Quickly burning through that to the 2nd story and attic area. We had no apartments on 2nd story nor anyone living/squating up there. Though the fire did make it to the 2nd story and attic space, most of the fire damage was on the first floor. Particularly the grill area and ceiling joist. Water and smoke damage is extensive and pretty much did as much damage as the fire. But… We hope that this effort saved the building from total destruction. With that said. I wish I could give a better update on our status but the facts are I just don’t know a lot at this moment. Our insurance company is working well with us but there is still much to do on that front and the holidays have slowed that down. What I can say is Kelly, Martha and I are committed to saving the building first and foremost. Once that can be established. We will focus on how best to get the Idle Hour back up and going. This can still go many directions but it’s safe to say we want the IH menu, atmosphere and charm back in Lincoln. We do want to thank everyone who reached out and donated to our Employees during the Christmas season. Your generosity and kind words were a great comfort during a particularly bleak time for the IH family. Thank You🙏….. The IH😌

12/12/2024

Our Niece has set up a way to help our Employees bridge the financial gap to a new job and through Christmas. Details are in the link. Martha, Kell and I, are still trying to wrap our minds around all of this. However, it is safe to say IH won’t be open anytime time soon. We will do our best to save her but, many hurdles still lay ahead. ❤️🙏😕

By Idle Hour Employees

12/09/2024

Well…. We suffered a big blow today. A fire ravaged the inside of the Idle Hour. No one was hurt and the Emergency response teams did a great job containing the fire from completely destroying the building along with the connecting building. I believe several Logan County departments were called in and made entry into the IH while much of the first and second story was on fire. From there they contained the fire and were able to knock it out! Thank you for your Bravery, Dedication and Hard Work!
The Idle Hour is in pretty bad shape and the next few days will be needed to decipher if it’s even possible to move on from the amount of damage.
If you know us…Then you know we do this for our Employess and our Community. So, this is rough…Please keep our Employees in your thoughts and prayers as it is going to be tough for them these next few months. And to our Community… Sorry this happened.. The IH😞

10/16/2024

The Garden is enjoying the fall weather. Catch it while you can! Grab a Gyro or iitilian beef or grilled pork tenderloin too! 🤤🤤. Idle Hour a Lincoln Tradition!❤️❤️

09/05/2024

09/05/2024

Thursday night Wing Baskets $12..Buffalo,Garlic parmesian or Sweet Chili .Game starts at 7.

07/31/2024

Hot Food and Cold Drinks! Gyro, Burgers, Tenderloins, Chilli dog!!🍺🤤🤤❤️❤️😊😊Idle Hour Inn Lincoln!