Who We Are
In December 2022, Kara and Tony West took ownership of The Oyster Bar; making a long-standing dream come true. They embrace the Fort Wayne history that comes with the establishment and are honored to continue the legacy. The West’s will usher in their era by continuing The Oyster Bar’s tradition as one of Fort Wayne’s favorite dining locations.
our history
A Fort Wayne Tradition since 1888
1888
The Honorable Ferdinand Oetting opened the original saloon at 1830 South Calhoun Street, beginning The Oyster Bar's storied history.
1890
Pennsylvania Railroad Fireman WT Harvey purchased the saloon and hired Joseph Schnee as the bartender.
1894
Schnee purchased the saloon from Harvey establishing the first long-term family ownership. Schnee and his wife Rosina lived above the saloon until 1910.
1918
Prohibition hit and until 1927, Schnee sold soft drinks in the front, but purportedly, sold other libations via the infamous "back room.
1932
Schnee's son Leo reopened the saloon under the name Hoosier Products Co, Malt after it had been closed from 1928-1931--a result of prohibition and the Great Depression.
1935
From 1935 until 1944, Leo Schnee operated the saloon under various names including Schnee's Restaurant and Schnee's Liquors. Regardless of the name, it's rumored that he only served those he liked
1945
From 1945 through 1953, the saloon had several owners and names, the most notable being "The Wifenpoof" under the management of McNamara and Venderly.
1954
The "real" Oyster Bar era began. Hughie Johnson--superstar first baseman for the Zollner Pistons softball team-- purchased the saloon and called it Hughie's Tap. Johnson introduced oysters to the establishment.
1963
Hughie's Tap--by then a favorite haunt for local professionals--was purchased by Zollner Piston's second baseman Neal Barille. He changed Hughie's Tap to Neal's Oyster Bar.
1975
Alan Huffman and Alex Laguna purchased the business and shortened the name to The Oyster Bar. They remodeled the establishment to its present state.
1987
Under the ownership of Steven and Brenda Gard, The Oyster Bar became a space where guests became friends. Even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, the Gards maintained their commitment to always bring their guests the very best.
2022
Anthony and Kara West build upon The Oyster Bar's legacy. Their focus is on maintaining the establishment's rich 130-year history while incorporating current trends. Chef Tony is back in the same kitchen that launched his culinary career in 1997.
