In one way, shape or form, Julio’s Bar and Grill in Hayward will be part of the Hayward Days celebration July 8-9.

“I’d like to say we’ll be open a week or two before that, to work out all the kinks,” said manager Marty Herman. “But realistically, we’re shooting for that weekend to be our grand opening.”

Herman’s parents, Steve and Betty Steele of the rural Alden area, purchased the building — formerly Julio’s Bar — as-is at an auction last fall. The former establishment closed over a year ago.

“It was in dire shape when they purchased it,” said Hayward City Clerk Tiffany Krueger. “The city is really excited to see a new business opening, and the community’s waiting for a new place to gather.”

The community will have plenty of influence on what’s to come once the establishment opens its doors. While Herman plans to open as a bar with a “basic” menu of burgers and sandwiches with nightly menu specials — including a steak night — he also plans to incorporate requests from his patrons into the menu.

The new Julio’s will also be a gathering place to watch sporting events, enjoy music from live bands, dance nights with a DJ, belt out some karaoke and perhaps join pool and volleyball leagues.

“We’ll let the clientele drive where they want us to go,” Herman said.

But that’s not Herman’s main focus at this point. He’s currently involved in the day-to-day tasks of the rebuilding. The former building has been completely gutted and is being remodeled.

A new pitched roof is being put on, the entire layout inside will be rearranged and the building is being expanded by more than 20 feet. The bar and kitchen area will be on the east side of the building. The bar will be longer than the old one, with a larger area for tables and dining, and additional space for a dance floor.

Herman plans to manage the new Julio’s full-time, while continuing to help his dad on the family farm in rural Alden. He previously owned a restaurant in Minneapolis, although he wasn’t involved in the day-to-day operations there. He moved back to Freeborn County about a year ago after selling his electronics business, also in Minneapolis, and looks forward to this venture.

“It’s a big undertaking, rebuilding everything and making sure everything’s ready to go by Hayward Days,” Herman said.