Bullhead Saloon opens in Four Lakes

Finding one's niche in business that sets them apart is a challenge in and of itself.

That hurdle can be even higher in the bar and restaurant industry, but Michael Ehrgott hopes he can carve himself a slice of business with a simple plan behind the bar.

Ehrgott recently rebranded a long-time bar in Four Lakes, Wash. - the Saddle Inn - and has reopened it as the Bullhead Saloon and it's his beer tap rotation that he hopes will make some customers take notice of what the rest of the place has to offer.

While the regular national brands can be found elsewhere, "We're hardly keeping any domestics on (tap)," Ehrgott said. "We're running a nice craft beer selection."

Except that is for one handle with the iconic "R" that many oldtimers grew up with. The Rainier brand has been reborn in Seattle - at its original location along Interstate 5 - and Ehrgott wanted to be one of the bars helping rekindle the brew.

Great Micros owner Mick Akin is trying to help Ehrgott keep his rotation fresh and interesting with his seemingly endless array of brews from the region's many craft breweries.

Ehrgott plans to have a "Frozen Mug Club" where patrons can upgrade from plain old pints to frosty steins to sample the brews. And while the taps will cater more to the taste buds of beer aficionados, those seeking to down a Budweiser, Miller or other familiar label can do so from a can or bottle. He also has a selection of hard alcohol.

But that's hardly going to make the Bullhead a success so Ehrgott has included some of the usual attractions found in bars like karaoke, trivia and food. He plans on homemade pizza, among other menu items as he ramps up the grub.

Ehrgott is familiar to many in the area and has had his hand in the operation of establishments at Picnic Pines on Silver Lake, as well as the Wagon Wheel Tavern in Medical Lake. He got into the bar business in 2010.

Ehrgott was out of the bar business for 10 months he said until the former Saddle Inn became available. "I thought that might be a good spot; actually it's turned out to be a real good spot," he said so he purchased the building.

"Things have been great so far," Ehrgott said. "I think to convenience of the location, coming to and from Cheney; it's kind of a little hideaway."

Open about two months now, The Bullhead has seen old customers return to see what's been done inside. Ehrgott is particularly proud of his new bar, built by Cheney resident Doug Wethintton.

And while the season will soon force all business inside, come next spring and summer the Bullhead will have its outdoor beer garden, fire pit, covered patio and horseshoe pit in operation. "It's probably one of the neatest things about this bar," Ehrgott said.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.