“Bittersweet to say goodbye”: Downtown Redmond property General Duffy’s Waterhole listed for sale
(Update, adding interview with Robertson Family)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Robertson family announced the proposed sale of General Duffy's Waterhole and its 1.4-acre commercial property in downtown Redmond, Ore., after eight years of operation.
The business was founded by Dick Robertson, his wife Susan Robertson and their son Tanner Robertson. What began as a taphouse and food truck concept grew into an entertainment venue hosting more than 200 events annually. The four-parcel site sits at the entrance to downtown Redmond, just off Highway 97, within the city's Enterprise Zone.
Dick Robertson, a veteran and Redmond resident, envisioned the gathering space after attending an event at Crux Fermentation Project in Bend. His wife, Susan Robertson, worked as a registered nurse at St. Charles in Bend for 34 years and helped establish the venue's community presence. Their son, Tanner Robertson, a former U.S. Army officer, joined the family in building and operating the business.
The family made a lot of memories in the eight years. Susan Robertson reminisced, saying, "It's been really fun. It's been some work and some ups and downs, but we've had a really good time together. The three of us, my husband and my son. And, we do look forward to finally retiring."
"It's been awesome. I mean, to me, it's it's been a a huge pleasure to deal with the, the community of Redmond and I would say the community of the northwest." said Roberts, remembering all the connections their business has made.
Their son, Tanner Robertson reflected on the past, adding, "We've built a great business. We're super proud of what we've done with the community and it's bittersweet to say goodbye.”
Over its eight years of operation, the venue hosted car and motorcycle gatherings, charity fundraisers, company celebrations, birthday events and live music from hundreds of local and regional acts. The site also hosted 39 national touring performances, including shows by Trace Adkins, Nate Smith, Elle King and Scotty McCreery.
The property features vertical development potential up to 100 feet. The family is seeking a buyer to expand on the existing business or pursue a larger mixed-use project, which could include hospitality, entertainment, dining, retail or residential uses, subject to city zoning and government approvals.
The Robertsons also added they would prefer to sell the business and not just the land. Their hopes is for someone to step in and and continue being a local venue. While the next thing doesn't have to be "General Duffy's", they already have a team of skilled employees and a location set up for out door events and concerts.
In announcing the sale, the Robertson family expressed gratitude to the community and staff. “We are incredibly grateful to every employee, food truck, musician, artist, vendor, sponsor, first responder, veteran, nonprofit, local business, family and guest who became part of General Duffy's,” the family said. “After eight years, we believe it's time to pass the torch. We're proud of what was built here, thankful for the community that embraced us and excited for what comes next, for this property, for downtown Redmond and for our family.”
