In the summer of 2020, the idea to bring more life to small town David City, Nebraska, sparked interest in locals Marty and Kris Roper. On February 16, 2021, the Ropers turned their objective into a reality by opening David City’s first sports bar, Roper’s Bar and Grill.
Roper’s has become a local favorite hangout spot, bringing a change of pace to the David City dining scene. The community has a population of just under 3,000 and holds fewer than 10 dining establishments for locals to grab a bite to eat. With limited food options, the Ropers knew there was a need for something more in David City.
“We never really had the idea of Roper’s; we just knew we were going to start something, and it was going to be good,” Marty, co-owner of Roper’s, said. “If it turned out great, then even better. If it failed, we at least learned something. We weren’t afraid to fail, and I think that’s the biggest thing that helped us out with this.”
Roper’s is not an average small town sports bar; it’s a niche dining scene that gives local residents what they want without having to leave town. Between big screen TVs to watch professional sports, superb bar food options, and nearly 70 different beer choices, Roper’s does not skimp on anything.
Marty and his team take pride in supporting local. Roper’s carries a great deal of Nebraska-brewed beers and is the only business in David City where residents have the option to grab a brew outside of domestic. Marty said customers appreciate that there is a place in town with a variety of beer choices beyond what small towns usually provide.
In addition to a diverse brew selection, Roper’s also leaves mouths watering by serving up their staple food items. This includes reuben, chicken philly salads, and their legendary Big Fatty Burger. This colossal creation consists of bacon, cheese, crispy chicken, a hamburger patty, with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.
Roper’s Bar and Grill is located 50 miles from the west side of Omaha, and 45 miles from the north side of Lincoln. Marty said his goal is to give the people of David City what they want, offer the best service possible, and make Roper’s the next destination spot for those who live outside of town.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic this is going as well as it’s going,” Marty said. “If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Omaha or Lincoln, we’re not that far out of town. It’s a nice, short day trip, and there’s plenty of stops on the way here.”
