Kraven's opens in former Izzy's

Two construction owners forgo previous business to open sports bar

Photo By: Josh KullaKraven's Sports Bar
Scott Moore and Steve Thornton are the new owners of Kraven’s Sports Bar, which opened last week.
Sauerkraut on pizza?

It couldn’t possibly be palatable, but new Kraven’s owners Steve Thornton and Scott Moore assure customers its worth trying.

In fact, the whole venture has been worth trying. Both Thornton and Moore owned construction-related businesses in Kalispell, Mont., before the sagging economy began to tighten its grip on them. A long drive to North Dakota led the two friends down that “what if” path.

“Nine or 10 hours of driving, and you start talking about things,” said Moore, who owned a paving business. “We went to North Dakota with our iron tools to see if we could find work there, but then we got talking about the bar and restaurant business.”

Their idle chatter led to serious discussion. A year later, they had purchased the former Izzy’s building at 29991 S.W. Town Center Loop West in Wilsonville and began the necessary work to renovate the pizza buffet into their own sports bar.

“Our first thought was much simpler than what we have now,” Moore said. “Sysco helped us get to where we are now, offering pizza, specialty sandwiches and salads. We want this to be a place where people can come, have a beer and watch the game.”

Several flat-screen TVs are mounted around the perimeter of the restaurant. A bar sits in the middle of the restaurant, giving it an open feel.

“We had people to lean on as far as designing and running the restaurant,” said Thornton. “But the bar design was our own. We liked having it open, where you can see the people across the bar from you.”

“We like people to feel like they’re always part of the action,” Moore added. “That’s kind of cool.”

These two owners want Kraven’s to have a family atmosphere. Minors are allowed until 11 p.m. The restaurant will stay open until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, depending on the number of customers.

They know many customers will stop by to watch popular basketball and football games, but it’s not the kind of “sports” that most interest these two owners.

The restaurant takes its name from Moore, who was nicknamed Kraven. The name was taken from a man who built the stretched chopper that sits up on the wall behind the bar.

Moore rode the motorcycle for several years and had some misgivings about placing his favorite hobby up on the wall. But the moniker seemed to fit, and it will be useful as a slogan on T-shirts.
“We’re more into motor sports, than football and basketball, but we’re pretty easygoing about it,” Moore said.

“We just want people to be in here and have a good time,” said Thornton. “This is a place for that, and what’s not to like about having a beer and watching a good game?”

Moore and Thornton did the majority of the construction work on Kraven’s, starting their efforts this past summer.

“It’s a good feeling that you’ve finally accomplished it,” said Moore. “There were tons of details that most people don’t recognize or see, but that are important to us.”

They’re also happy with the way the menu evolved from a simple pizza joint to a full menu.

Thornton said he recommends the Montana cheesesteak sandwich. Moore likes the southwest salad.
And both rave about the “Kraven’s” pizza pie, laden with Canadian bacon, pineapple, cheese, sauce and, yes, sauerkraut.

“People snub their noses at it, but then they try it,” Thornton said. “Then they’re hooked.”

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dave from Wilsonville
11/10/2009 7:14:54 PM

We checked Kraven's out this week. Great service, very welcoming. The open plan is certainly unique. The beer list is great, check out the excellent offerings from Ninkasi in Eugene. I really hope they'll consider switching to a house-made pizza dough, that would easily catapult them to Wilsonville's Best Pizza. It's a little odd that the Sysco catalog translates directly to a menu. I don't think they could make it in Portland with that culinary approach.

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