June 11, 2007

Iron Hog saloon, restaurant hits the market


MITCH DEACON, Staff
Victor Valley Daily Press

Lynda Townsend, left, delivers some beer to patrons at the Iron Hog saloon in Oro Grande on Monday. The historic saloon is back on the market with the hopes of finding an investor that will maintain the property.

ORO GRANDE — Biker bar, local landmark and setting for several movies, the Iron Hog saloon is on the market once again, hoping to find an investor to maintain the historic property.

Once a venue for a concert by legendary performer Johnny Cash, the property features a 2,775-square-foot saloon and restaurant on 3.6 acres north of Oro Grande, including a stage and large outdoor patio.

“Roy Rogers' initials are carved in the bar,” said Michael George Michaels, the current owner who was obliged to put the Iron Hog up for sale because of illness

Agents marketing the property see the sale of the saloon as an opportunity to own an artifact of local history that is close to the growing community of the Victor Valley.

“It’s an historic place that’s been around for 100 years,” said James Langley, senior land specialist with the Bradco Companies, which is brokering the sale of the property.

Still standing at the site is an old building once used to separate gold and silver, according to apocryphal legend.

Whatever the actual history, the Iron Hog has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years and has been featured in a number of motion pictures, including the Hollywood blockbuster “Erin Brockovich.”

Asking price for the Iron Hog is $585,000.