My name is Earl, of Alcona
By Chris Simon

Bill Roskar, owner of The Earl of Alcona restaurant, stands outside the establishment last week. The restaurant offers homemade fish and chips and hamburgers.

The Earl is in court, and trying to change the culture of a former Alcona bar.

Bill Roskar, the owner of The Earl of Alcona, has been working hard to attract clientele to his restaurant, which is located at the 8th Line and St. John's Road. He's introduced homemade menu items like battered halibut fish and chips, hamburgers, and prime rib, and created a Thursday pasta bar and Sunday brunch featuring an omelet bar, desserts and a carving station.

"It's not been easy, but it's not been as tough as I thought either," he said, sitting in a bar chair recently, as children sang Christmas carols during a holidaythemed Sunday brunch. "It's been challenging but the reaction we're getting from people in town has been sensational."

But Roskar knows he's had to change a few minds about the establishment. Formerly known as the Bedrock Cafe, the restaurant was the site of constant bar fights and calls to police.

Under new ownership, Roskar hopes the site can thrive.

"We cleaned the place up immensely," he said. "We're pushing food. We've got ribs, prime rib and an all you can eat pasta bar Thursdays. Before, they weren't in the food business, it was wings and fries and that was it. In doing that, we've cleaned up the clientele. The girls are all wearing uniforms now."

Roskar had four of the Bedrock's pool tables removed, placed carpet on one side of the restaurant and turned the other half into a pub-style eatery. The restaurant features the large television, darts and a few pool tables.

Roskar has been involved in business for several years.

"It became available and I saw the potential for somebody to do some good food," he said. "We're becoming really well known for our prime rib and fish and chips."

For more information, call The Earl at 431-8543.