Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - It will definitely be the last call for alcohol Friday night at a longtime Rochester bar.

Friday is the final day of business for Wicked Moose, which will soon be bulldozed to make way for an apartment building.

The bar located near the intersection of Highway 14 and Marion Road will close its doors at midnight, ending a 40 year run.

It opened as Dooley’s and the nightclub portion called Aquarius was added later. During its prime years, the bar hosted numerous bands and musicians. Rochester’s well-known pro hockey player Shjon Podein held fundraisers for his foundation at the former Dooley’s, bringing in celebrities that included Matt Damon and Brad Paisley.

Dooley’s, later renamed McMurphy’s, was relocated to its downtown site in 2010 and the original bar was renamed Wicked Moose.

Managing partner Scott Schneider has scheduled a full day of activity for the final hurrah, with entertainment in both areas of the bar. He says the last last call will be given at 11 p.m. because the bar’s liquor license expires at midnight.

Schneider says most of the furnishings will be auctioned off in late April, except for the jerseys and other sports memorabilia he has collected over the years.

Local musician Brandon Sampson was among the final performers at the Moose. He was part of the Pink Floyd tribute gig held there March 11. Before the gig, he reflected on his memories at the venue:

There was another former popular watering hole in Rochester that closed its doors last April. The Viking Lounge at the former Holiday Inn South was visited by thousands of thirsty customers for more than 30 years. This is what it looked like a few weeks ago.

Kim David/Townsquare Media
Kim David/Townsquare Media
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It will be replaced by a new hotel and commercial building.   

 

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