New Partnership Intends to Reopen Pastime Tavern in Dufur

A new partnership appears to be brewing in Dufur as some untimely deaths have pushed back the opening of Papa’s Pastime during the past year. 

The tavern was purchased by Russell Neimeyer in the fall of 2020 from Cliff Wirtz for $270,000 according to Wasco County tax records.

Niemeyer of Portland and his daughter Roseanne Perry and granddaughter Miranda Perry of were renovating the establishment and laying the groundwork for operating the restaurant and pub.

Russell Niemeyer

But plans changed when Niemeyer died in April this year and Roseanne Perry also passed away thereafter. 

Miranda Perry said today, Aug. 25, that she was leasing the tavern to John Dillon at Kramer’s Market. She had no further information on the specifics of how it will be operated.

Owner of Kramer’s Market, John Dillon, recently posted on Facebook that he is working with the current owners. The post is on Dufur Happenings Facebook page. 

“Over the past few months, I have spent time with the new owners of the Tavern.  They are wonderful people,” Dillon wrote. “They put an enormous amount of work into the Tavern to get it ready to reopen.   However, due to unforeseen circumstances, plans changed, and the new owners decided to find someone else to operate the business.”

“Many of us in Dufur have long hoped that we could reopen the tavern.  A small town like Dufur needs a place for a good breakfast on Sunday morning, an occasional cheeseburger, a dinner special or a few beers after a day at work.  Without the Tavern, we are really missing something special and important for our town,” Dillon said. 

“Contrary to rumors, I, personally, never ever wanted to own the Tavern.  I just have wanted to help find new, motivated owners and to help them keep the Tavern a vital part of our community.

Rather than let the recent efforts go for naught, we have arranged a partnership with the new owners for Kramer’s Market to lease, reopen and operate the Tavern.

I’m sure this will take a lot of additional work.  We are not sure how long it will take, but we will keep the town posted and hope to welcome you back to the Tavern this Fall.

All suggestions and ideas are welcome.”