Watters’ family legacy runs deep at Rex’s as tradition continues under ownership
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — During his 50 years of work at Rex’s Rendezvous, Robin Watters spent endless hours serving drinks, making friends and occasionally dealing with a few rowdy customers.
And along the way, he refurbished the bar’s old wooden floor.
Those days, though, are now in the rearview mirror even though he plans to continue to provide rides to customers in a refurbished vehicle know by some as a party bus.
On Sunday, family, friends, and customers of Rex’s celebrated a turning point as Watters officially retires and hands ownership over to his daughter, Crystal Watters.
Robin is set to turn 70 soon and began working in the family business when his father, Rex Watters, opened it in 1977.
“My dad sold it to me at 70 years old, and I wanted to sell it to my daughter at 70 years old,” Robin said after he arrived Sunday to find the tavern packed shortly after noon.
“I won’t be 70 until January, but it’s close enough for me,” he added with a hearty laugh.
Rex’s is considered the oldest tavern in Kosciusko County, with the first watering hole in that spot opening in 1933 shortly after Prohibition ended.
Robin was greeted by a huge crowd that began showing up well in advance of a ribbon cutting to enjoy lunch and some drinks.
What he found were many lifelong friends.
“A lot of the people that’s (inside) I’ve known their grandfathers, their dads, and now them,” he said while standing outside.
“Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of them pass,” he added.
Rex’s was considered a rather rough place in the early days, but has mellowed in recent years.
Robin says the business continues to adjust to changes in the community and eliminated indoor smoking as of July 1.
Crystal, who assumed most management duties eight years ago and organized Sunday’s surprise party with a live band, lobbied for the change, and Robin eventually acquiesced.
The new policy has been well received by many online and in person, Crystal said on Sunday.
Customers can now step out the front door with their drinks and have a smoke under the city’s new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) established by the city roughly two years ago. New seating outside the front door has been added to accommodate the change.
“DORA cups are fantastic,” Crystal said about the change. “I love the capability of people to sit outside. It makes businesses look more approachable. It makes downtown feel more lively.”
Robin reflected on his family’s legacy.
“It’s always been a good thing, and we’ve always enjoyed serving customers and knowing the people, and it’s just been great.”
The future, he said, looks good for the business.
“I think it will continue on — forever I hope,” Robin said. “It’s got strong legs.”
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