When I hear the term ‘Texas Honky Tonk’ the first image that comes to my mind is The Lonesum Dove. This little bar has been in operation for decades and has consistently been a favorite spot for many people here in Wichita Falls.
Recently, the Dove held a party for the retirement of longtime owner Judy Scott and the introduction of the new owner, Roy Hollis. Judy has been in the bar business for nearly 30 years, the last dozen or so as the owner of the Dove. And at the ceremony I had the opportunity to sit down for a few minutes and talk with Roy.
I asked Roy what made him want to buy this bar. “I’ve been coming to this bar for a long time — 20 years, at least. Every time I came home from the Marine Corps. I came here. This is where I spent my weekends. My parents came up here, and all my friends came up here. I just love this place. It’s always been a good bar. The people are great, nobody has any trouble here, it’s just a really good time. This bar has been around for many years and it’s a part of Wichita Falls. So when I found out Judy was ready to retire I was in the right place at the right time. I knew I would keep it the way it is and I don’t want to change a lot of things.” One of the slight changes Roy has made is bringing in a more diverse selection of beverages, adding seven liquors and nine beers. “I want to make sure that the people that come here have the beer that they want, the liquor that they want, and have a good time if they want.
“We will still continue to have live music on Friday nights (with house band Armadillo Flatts) and Looney Tunes Karaoke on Saturday nights (with Looney Brown and G-Dog hosting). I figure if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And on occasion when Armadillo Flatts is unavailable on Friday night we will bring in other local acts. This place has always been a good time so I just want to keep that going.
“I think things happen for a reason. If Judy would have retired last year I wouldn’t have been ready for it, but it happened right now and I was in a position that I could do it, so I think it was the right thing to do.”
We wish Judy to have a long and happy retirement, and to congratulate Roy on his new endeavor. May it continue to be the epitome of Texas honky tonk bars.
~Tim Maloney
