By BETH ZUMWALT
Beth Zumwalt/Pike Press
Betsy and Jim Smith are all smiles as they show off what they have accomplished while renovating the former Atlas General Store into Zeke’s Pub and Grill. The establishment will be in the 100 year-old building and will feature a bar, dining and gaming machines. It is expected to open in March.
In the late 70s, Marvin (Zeke) and Geraldine Booth, started an ice cream shop in Atlas. Their daughter Betsy, helped with the business until it was sold in 1993. But, her connection with the area at the corner of U.S. 54 and 96 as remained strong.
Betsy Smith continues to live on the intersection of the two highways and recently she and her husband, Jim Smith, are renovating the 100-year-old building on the opposite corner of their home.
“We think it was the Atlas General Store back in the early 1900s,” Betsy said. “We found what we think is a picture of the original building and the date puts it in that era.”
Plans for the structure include a bar, dining and a gaming room, complete with gaming machines.
“I’ve received my liquor license,” Smith said. “And I’ve applied for my gaming license.”
Work on the outside of the building is nearly complete and the couple are ready to start on the inside, which is laid out perfect for what they have planned.
“We put new windows, new HVAC, new siding, railings, the whole works,” Smith said. “There is an apartment upstairs and we will add it to our list of guest houses, also named Zeke’s.”
The business expects to hire between four and five employees and is already searching for a cook for the restaurant portion of the business.
