OK Corral opens in former bowling alley

By Kevin O’Brien

When traveling between their two Mexican restaurants in Marshfield and Abbotsford, Humberto and Anna Cuno would routinely drive by the old bowling alley in Colby. Once the building went up for sale, they decided to make it their next business venture.

After purchasing the property with a loan from Forward Bank, it took over a year of renovations to transform the former bowling lanes into a spacious ballroom, complete with a stage. The Cunos kept the original bar area intact, but gave it a facelift so it now appears brand new.

OK Corral officially opened for business last week with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the city of Colby, AbbyColby Crossings Chamber of Commerce, and the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau. On Saturday, the venue hosted its first large event featuring music by two well-known Mexican bands.

Humberto said he and his wife had always wanted to open a venue in the area for live music and special events, such as wedding receptions and reunions. He said they have already hosted a graduation party and have booked other events for later this year.

The couple also wanted to offer something different than the Hispanic food served at their other restaurant, El Taqueria El Sol, which has locations in Abbotsford and Marshfield. OK Corral’s menu features classic American favorites such as cheeseburgers, steak and fish fries, along with breakfast staples like omelettes, corned beef and hash and Mickey Mouse pancakes for kids.

Humberto said he pictures the OK Corral as a place where people can enjoy a cup of coffee and a meal in the morning and a dance and drinks at night.

The Cunos have over 10 years of experience in the restaurant business, having established the first Taqueria el Sol 13 years ago in Marshfield before opening the one in Abbotsford in 2021, when the COVID 19 pandemic was still an issue. Humberto said they have hired four kitchen staff, including a cook who used to work at a cafe in Marshfield, along with four waitresses.

Security will be provided for all of their nighttime events, to check IDs and make sure there are no other problems, he noted.

Ryan Bargender, superintendent of the Abbotsford School District and a chamber of commerce board member, welcomed OK Corral to the local business community and praised the Cunos for their efforts to open another restaurant and event venue in the area.

“Today we celebrate more than just the opening of a business,” Bargender said. “We celebrate vision, hard work and the spirit of community that makes the Abby-Colby region special.”

Bargender expressed appreciation for the couple’s entrepreneurial drive.

“What you build here is a testament to your dedication, innovation and belief in this community,” he said. “Starting a business takes courage, commitment, resilience, and we honor all of that today.”

Colby Mayor Jim Schmidt also thanked the Cunos for their efforts to breath new life into an older building.

“It’s really nice when you take a building that hasn’t been used for a few years, put a lot of work into it and start a new business,” he said. “It’s a great improvement for the community. It can be used by all, as beautiful as it is.”

Natalyn Jannene, representing CCEDC, echoed the mayor’s appreciation for OK Corral.

“We know you could have put the restaurant in many different communities, and we’re just thankful you chose us,” she said.

Before helping to cut the ribbon, Anna said they never thought they would end up starting a new restaurant in Colby, but now they’re excited to see it opening.

“We put a lot of heart into this building, and I hope we get that feedback from everybody,” she said. “I’m excited to work with Colby and Abbotsford and the community.”

Anna said she’s proud of her Hispanic heritage and she’s taking inspiration from her father, who just recently passed away.

“I’m here because he’s the one who made this girl strong,” she said. “This is an honor for him and us.”

OK Corral is located at 506 N. Division St. (STH 13) in Colby, and is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 6 to 9 a.m. on Thursday; 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sundays. To book the ballroom for an event, call 715-316-0090.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS - Joel Cuno, center, helps his parents, Humberto and Anna, cut the ribbon on the new OK Corral last Thursday in Colby. Also pictured, in back, from left to right, are Colby Mayor Jim Schmidt, Sandy Gosse, Natalyn Jannene of the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau and Ryan Bargender of the AbbyColby Crossings Chamber of Commerce.

STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN O’BRIEN