‘Pickle’ is undergoing renovations

When the Greazy Pickle reopens later this month, its name may be confounding. It’ll be hard for patrons to find signs of grease.
That’s because the bar and restaurant, located at 211 W. Main St., Portland, closed in late June for extensive remodeling.
Manager Jodi Mills said the facelift wasn’t initially planned, but rather was spurred by pipes and drains that needed to be repaired.
“We’ve always talked about it. You know, we should do this, we should that but I mean, we really didn’t until this happened,” Mills said. “It was either just go ahead and fix pipes, you know, or go ahead while we are already shut down, it’s already going to be such a mess anyways, and just do it all.”
Do it all, the Greazy Pickle has done. The renovation will include two new bathrooms, expansion of its kitchen and a new electrical system as well as a new floor and bar.
Speaking Thursday, Mills highlighted the need of the bigger kitchen, mentioning it goes through 70 to 80 pounds of tenderloin per week.
Previously, Mills said a lack of space meant two coolers had to be stored behind the bar. That won’t be an issue anymore.
“The old bathrooms are gone. It’s actually going to be storage now for the kitchen,” she said.
Mills also expressed excitement with the new epoxy floor, which was being worked on this week.
“It’ll be nice. I can’t wait to see that,” she said.
Mills said the bar and restaurant is shooting to reopen Aug. 22, allowing it be in business for the 51st annual Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show, held at Jay County Fairgrounds from Aug. 24 through 27.
“My goal right now is to get through the tractor show. After that, we do plan on doing some new things but I just want to get back open and work all the bugs out.”
For now, Mills said former patrons can expect a similar menu.
“Later on this fall, we are wanting to do some new things,” she said.