The Bridge Tavern's New Owners: A Crosby Landmark Starts Its Next Chapter

Crosby's most recognizable gathering spot has new owners, and the same familiar faces are staying put. The Bridge Tavern, the landmark restaurant and bar at the crossroads of Highway 6 and County Road 11, is now owned by Andy Schulz and Heather Reese, who took over the business in early 2026. For a Cuyuna-area town built on trails, lake recreation, and a close-knit community, the change of hands is worth knowing about.

A Landmark at the Crossroads

The Bridge Tavern sits at 26969 State Highway 6 in Crosby, at the junction locals know as the crossroads. It has operated as the Cuyuna Lakes area's food, drink, and entertainment destination, known for prime rib, burgers, and appetizers, and it carries a long history as a place people gather after a day on the trails or the water.

The New Owners

Andy Schulz, who is from Deerwood and also runs Schulz Brothers Custom Remodeling, and Heather Reese, an Aitkin native, took over the tavern in early 2026. They are keeping the tavern's character, its menu favorites, and its role as a live-music and events space, including the attached events center used for private parties and weddings. When a local landmark changes hands, the question is always whether the new owners respect what made it work, and the early signs here are that they do.

What Makes It a Cuyuna Staple

**A full-service menu locals count on:** prime rib, burgers, and a daily happy hour make it a dependable stop, not just a tourist spot.

**Entertainment beyond the food:** live music, weekly events, and an events center give the town a place to gather in every season.

**It anchors the crossroads:** the tavern is one of the buildings that tells visitors they have arrived in the Cuyuna Lakes area.

What It Means for the Community

A landmark restaurant staying open under new ownership is quietly important for a small town. It keeps jobs local, keeps a gathering place alive, and signals that the community's businesses are healthy enough to attract buyers. For anyone considering Crosby, it is one more sign that the town's energy, from the mountain bike trails to Main Street to the crossroads, is holding up.

The Bottom Line

The Bridge Tavern is the kind of business that makes Crosby feel like home, and its new owners are keeping it that way. Change at a beloved spot can be unsettling, but a landmark with strong local roots and fresh energy is good news for the town. If you are thinking about the Cuyuna area, it is worth a stop and worth knowing about.

Curious about Crosby's market? Start with our Crosby community guide, explore the Main Street dining scene, or schedule a conversation. Cheers!