Willy's Bar & Grill
For Ryan Hayes, opening Willy’s Bar & Grill was more than starting a new business. It was continuing a lifelong connection to the restaurant industry, his family, and the Creston community.
After growing up around the Windrow restaurant, Ryan took time away before deciding to bring a new idea to life. As he started planning Willy’s, he worked with Iowa State Savings Bank to help get his restaurant off the ground. Today, Willy’s Bar & Grill continues to build on the relationships and community support Ryan grew up with.
A Longstanding Relationship
Ryan’s connection with Iowa State Savings Bank started long before Willy’s Bar & Grill opened.
“My parents took over the Windrow restaurant back in 1980 and I grew up in the restaurant business. I left for college for two years, came back and returned to the restaurant. The Windrow closed in April 2019. A year and half later, I thought about opening my own bar and grill. I went to Kevin at Iowa State Savings Bank and talked about a loan. We opened Willy’s up on June 28, 2021 and it’s gone good ever since. Working with the bank has been pretty easy. Whenever we need something, they are there.
My parents have always been there at Iowa State Savings Bank. It just worked well for them, and it has been a good fit for me. They are good friendly bankers and I appreciate the small community bank.”
Building Willy’s
Opening the restaurant took planning, patience, and a clear vision for the space Ryan wanted to create. As plans for Willy’s Bar & Grill came together, Iowa State Savings Bank worked alongside Ryan throughout the process.
“From drawing up the idea to opening, it probably took a year. I drew out my plans on graph paper with a design that I thought would be employee friendly and customer friendly. I took my ideas to Kevin to see what it would take to put it together. Of course things changed throughout the process to get what we have today.”
“We named Willy’s after my dad. His name was Bill Hayes, but my mom and us kids always called him Willy. He did pass away in September 2020. Instead of calling the restaurant the Windrow again we went with Willy’s. I wouldn’t be in this position without growing up with him.”
Supporting the Community
Since opening Willy’s Bar & Grill, the support from the community has meant a lot to Ryan and his team. What started as a new idea quickly became familiar for many local families and customers who had supported the Windrow for years.
“I want to thank everybody for supporting us. It shows that a lot of people that supported the Windrow are coming back and supporting us. We serve good food and keep people coming back.”
Working with a Community Bank
Ryan says working with Iowa State Savings Bank continues to make day-to-day business easier.
“They are easy to work with and have the two branches that we use. It’s convenient for sure. They have great staff at the bank and if there is ever anything that we need I just give them a call and they can accommodate.”
“Everybody needs a good bank. We’re all tied together as far as building a community together.”
Advice for Future Business Owners
When asked what advice he would give someone thinking about starting their own business, Ryan says:
“Do it. Work hard, do it, and get it done. It just takes some motivation to take the next step to make your dream happen.”
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