Economy Continues to Hurt Local Bars as One More Closes its Doors

NELSON, Minn - Despite its name Trophy's owner Scott Larson says it could not win against a bad economy and will be closing down Jan. 1.

"They say the economy will pick up in the next few years, but businesses don't have a few years to wait so we're closing," said Larson.

Larson also blames new drunk driving guidelines for his lack of business.

".08. The drunk driving law really cut into our business and kept people from coming out," said Larson.

However, Jerry Krebs has been a customer at Trophy's for six years and continued frequent the bar despite the economy and drunk driving law.

"We have to support all our local businesses. When one doesn't survive it's really sad and hurts us all," said Krebs.

Because Trophy's is closing, longtime employees will lose their jobs and possibly a few friendships.

"I've been here going on eight years. It's going to be tough finding another job, but it will be even tougher leaving all the friends I've made here," said Trophy's employee Dallas Blair.

Larson agreed.

"We're going to miss all the people we got used to seeing everyday," said Larson.