Scoots has new owners

Scoots Bar and Grill has new owners. It'll be a family affair, with Jim and Sharon Ramsey, their daughter Julia, and Sharon's brother, Jack Rhodes, taking over from previous owner, Dave Lentz.

There won't be any noticeable changes to start with; the famous Scoots Burger still tops the menu, live music, regular DJs and karaoke will provide entertainment, and the atmosphere is staying friendly and small-town. Current staff members are all staying on, so regulars will still see familiar faces behind the bar.

Sharon Ramsey noted that the atmosphere is what drew her and Jim to the establishment.

"If they don't know your name at the beginning of the evening, they will by the time you leave," she said.

New Year's Eve specials include Washington crab and local steelhead. The family has connections on the east coast also, so Ramsey said to look for New England-style seafood specials in the coming months.

The Ramseys are long-time Sisters residents and were looking for something to do now that both are retired. A conversation with Lentz resulted in the sale of the business and a new venture for the Ramseys. Sharon's brother, Rhodes, is a retired Massachusetts policeman who recently moved back to Sisters. He has experience in the food-and-beverage industry, after serving as quartermaster and post commander for a VFW post.

The Ramsey's remind patrons to say hello to the bar kitty, ScootBoots, who tucks up on a heated bed on the outside porch.

Scoots Bar and Grill is located at the corner of Larch Street and Main Avenue and is open for lunch and dinner.