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No fish tale: New owners to open restaurant in former Ludlow Bar
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Times file photo: Anthony Wahl // Work is underway on a new restaurant, the Laughing Trout, set to open in early October.
MONROE - Bob Heitz believes he and his partners have the bait to make the Laughing Trout restaurant a success in Monroe.

Heitz, his wife Diana, and Brad and Mary Bader, all of Monroe, came away from the Common Council meeting Tuesday with approval for their liquor license. They are now eyeing early October for the opening of the Laughing Trout.

The Heitzs and Baders have waded in hip-deep to remodel what was once the Ludlow Bar on the city's west side, in the 400 block of 6th Street. Ludlow Bar closed last spring.

"It's completely gutted inside," Heitz said Wednesday. But remodeling is going well, and he expected everything to be in place by opening day.

Customers will be angling for some casual lunches at the Laughing Trout and can return in the evening for fine dining in the evening: Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

It's not just fish; "everything" will be on the menus, Heitz said, and the liquor license allows for a full bar.

Heitz said the name of the new restaurant, Laughing Trout, comes from a private label beer, once produced by Minhas Craft Brewery only for Bob's Pub in downtown Monroe, which Heitz owned.

The establishment's new sign will be going up soon. The outside of the building is to get some new siding next year.