A True Champion of Our Community: Art DeBaere of Champions Sports Bar
Champions Sports Bar
“Giving back to the community is very important to our overall culture at Champions.” – Art
When you stop in to Champions Sports Bar you are in a win-win situation! Art DeBaere, the owner has been winning customers over for the 14 years with his dedication to making Champions Sports Bar the true MVP of the downtown Kenosha tavern scene. We sit down and chat it up with Art and get to know all about his start in the bar business, the success of Champions, his work with the tavern league, and his time as a newly elected alderperson for the City of Kenosha.
What inspired you to open Champions Sports Bar?
Art: Living in Boston during the TV Cheers Show run, and having a sports background both playing and die-hard fan. I wanted to open a place where everybody would know your name and have a place to watch, discuss, argue sports topics.
How long has Champions Sports Bar been in business? Could you provide a brief overview of the inception, tracing its historical journey? What has been the journey like so far?
Art: Champions opened in November 2010. I originally had a partner, have been solo for the past 11 years. This business has evolved into a family, where Champions is home for many people.
What sets Champions Sports Bar apart from other bars in the area?
Art: The biggest separation is being the only downtown bar that opens at 6am – 7 days a week.
Can you tell me about the atmosphere and vibe you aim to create at Champions Sports Bar?
Art: We created a family, local dive bar setting, where both regulars, travelers from the hotel, and fishing charters can come enjoy some conversation and exchanging of experiences in a safe fun environment.
What types of events and specials do you offer to patrons? Also tell me about these famous Meat Raffles?
Art: We have a weekly meat raffle every Saturday at 3pm, I believe we are the only downtown bar that offers one each week. Champions supports local businesses like Hometown Meats and others to get our meat selection. We also have bus trips to the various baseball games and overnight casino trips.
How do you choose which sports games to feature on your screens?
Art: We have 6 large screen HD TV’s, giving the sports fan many options on what is available. It basically comes down to what the people want
What are some popular menu items or signature drinks at Champions Sports Bar?
Art: We offer Champions Pizza, and many beer/mix drink options. Just a basic “shot and beer” saloon.
Are there any upcoming changes or expansions planned for Champions Sports Bar?
Art: None except we are approved to offer outdoor cafe seating in front of Champions for customers to enjoy Kenosha’s beautiful lakefront weather and scenery.
How do you engage with the local community or support local sports teams?
Art: For the past 13 years, Champions has engaged in local fundraisers, both hosting and donation to these events. Including the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, Special Needs Trick-O-Treat, Sip and Stroll, Kinder Kitties, Tavern League Safe Ride Program, local golf outings; sponsoring bowling, softball, dart, and pool teams in the various local leagues. Giving back to the community is very important to our overall culture at Champions.
You are the 1st District State Representative of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. Can you tell us little about that role, and what the tavern leagues is all about?
Art: I was elected to represent Kenosha City and Kenosha County Tavern League members on a state level by representing the 1st District on the Wisconsin State Tavern League Board of Directors. My duties are to deliver and voice our local member’s concerns and questions to the state, and present the state Messages and iossues back to our members to keep the communication lines open.
You recently got appointed the City of Kenosha Alderperson for District 17. Can you tell us what made you want to get in to local politics? And what will you do to better your district?
Art: I have always been drawn to politics, whether being elected as president of my college dorm my 1st two years of college, to running as president for my local HOA the past 10 years, and being the Kenosha City Tavern League President the past 3 years. I was fortunate to live in the 17th District, where for the past 16 years, we have had great representation on the City Council of David Bogdala. I worked very closely with him in our community by attending his local Townhall Meetings, to voicing our concerns in the neighborhood and Tavern League Issues. There are big shoes to fill as Dave moves to the Mayor’s office. I am looking forward to the new chapter and challenge representing the 17th! I do not have any agenda or want to change the city. Just represent my District 1st, and City 2nd, be a voice for my constituents for their needs and concerns.
Art, you are a bar owner, tavern league representative, Alderperson, how do you find time to relax?
Art: I was fortunate to retire from my career 2 years ago at age 50; it was always my dream and ambition to achieve this. I was very successful in the transportation and logistics industry working for companies like FedEx, SAIA and ABF Freight for the past 18 years and being in sales for the past 30 years. I have always kept busy and looking for new challenges and setting goals.
What draws you to Downtown Kenosha and what keeps you enchanted with it?
Art: I can answer this in two words……Lake Michigan!!!! One of the Great Lakes, it offers both beauty and weather options.
Amidst the plethora of remarkable businesses in Downtown Kenosha, what unique attributes set yours apart?
Art: Being established for the past 14 years and opening at 6am, Champions Sports Bar offers a fun and safe environment with fair prices, a wonderful experienced staff, which I refer to as My Bar Family, and great customers to make this all happen.
For those new to Downtown Kenosha, what captivating aspects would you like them to discover?
Art: Check out the local family owned businesses and summer weekend festivals, there is always something going on Downtown Kenosha.
What are some of your favored pastimes or activities within the vibrant locale of Downtown Kenosha?
Art: (none) except drinking on Friday and Saturday afternoonss with my customers and friends.
I have to ask; you were a guest many years ago on that widely popular local podcast “The ktown Connects Podcast” What was that experience like?
Art: The experience was amazing, I still have people contacting me about the interview, although it was for the Kenosha City Tavern League, I found the Podcast to be very entertaining and informative.
Listen here – Apple Podcast • Spotify • YouTube
How do you ensure you remain abreast of evolving bar industry trends and adapt to changes?
Art: Being involved closely with the Tavern League, we are consistently updated with industry trends and possible issues. Working with our local vendors that bring new products and ideas to help your business. Also developing relationships with other business owners to help them out and also learn what makes them successful.
Could you recount any particularly memorable encounters or experiences as a business proprietor in downtown Kenosha?
Art: Living through the “Peaceful Protests” of 2020, and Covid was a complete game changer for Champions and my outlook on the business, industry, politics, and people’s sense of community within the doors of Champions, where I realized this building is many people’s home and gathering center.
Any last words on champions Sports bar?
ART: Come’ in have a drink, say hello and have some fun!!!!!
Champions Sports Bar 719 50th Street 53140
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(262) 605-4811
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Q&A and Photos by Donny Stancato • Concept by Donny Stancato • Edited by Meridith Jumisko & Donny Stancato
