"Red's" Wal

The venerable Reno institution the Little Waldorf Saloon (known by anyone who has lived in Reno longer than five minutes as "the Little Wal" or just "the Wal") has been sold to new owners. I'm really, really hoping this isn't yet another case of someone attempting to fix something that ain't broke. The new owners, who also own Red's 395 Grill down in Carson City, are trying to calm a potentially hostile public by telling them that no one is going to take their beloved Wal away. But some of their quotes aren't making me too comfortable. From the RGJ story:

The company has already started renovating the property with a new wood-log facade and improvements to the bar's interior that includes hanging more of the historic photos and memorabilia that already decorate the walls.

I don't know about this. A wood-log fascade? Sounds too precious by half. It's not like they're converting an old IHOP or something, this is the Wal, Reno's legendary college bar. Everyone who went to the University of Nevada has a story about the Wal.

So already I've got my doubts, but then I read this:

The bar and restaurant will focus on a lunch crowd from surrounding businesses and the university, a mix of college students and an older crowd during happy hour, and college students past 9 p.m., Schloss (Director of Operations for new owners SES Nevada LLC) said.

Sounds frighteningly like they're going to turn it into an Applebee's. And the new name, "Red's Little Waldorf Saloon", doesn't inspire me with confidence either (although everyone's just going to continue calling it "the Wal", so I guess it doesn't really matter).

The Wal has changed onwers before and yet has survived in one form or another for eighty years, so I'll wait to reserve judgment until I see how extensive the changes are. I'm sure things will be fine in the end, but the new owners better watch their step. No one likes it when someone messes with an institution.