Insight into Iron Pony's fresh look

MARGARETTA TWP. — Throughout his life, Tyler Tigges never really visited bars. As a customer, it's not his scene. But now he actually owns one, and it's a well-known establishment to locals. So why did the Sandusky resident pursue this new venture? "This is my mom's dream," said Tigges, referencing his mother, Shelley Jones. "I know she wanted this bar," Tigges said. "And I had a vision of what it should be, and we both love it." Tigges and Jones recently bought Iron Pony Bar and Grill, a Sandusky-area business, on Tiffin Avenue (U.S. 6) across from Ventra. "I have been around food my whole life," Tigges said. "This is something we are confident that will be successful." In the few months after taking ownership, the two oversaw a complete top-to-bottom facelift across many areas inside. This would include installing a new 70-foot-long handmade bar. Come springtime, Tigges wants to create some artwork on the building's exterior to help make his company stand out. They also overhauled the menu by: • Serving homemade desserts made by Tigges' grandmother, Ann Tigges; She ran Ann Cakes and Catering for many years. "One time, she made a cake the size of two picnic tables for Cedar Point," Tigges said. "Any cake she makes is really good." • Partnering with Michael Crawford as its new executive chef; Crawford, who boasts 15 years of culinary experience, radically transformed Iron Pony's menu with some new options. The menu now consists of chicken wings; chicken and waffles; soul food dinners consisting of macaroni and cheese with collard greens; and various specials, which, most recently, featured an Alfredo pasta dish for Valentine's Day. "This is something new and different, and you can get these items all night long. A lot of places close around 8 p.m. or 10 p.m., but we have food for a lot longer here," said Crawford, adding how a breakfast menu is coming. Right now, Iron Pony operates six days a week. Tigges wants to acquire a liquor license so he can open on Sundays. And Iron Pony intends to maintain and even expand on its recreational offerings, which include pool leagues, corn hole and dart ball. The establishment also created a ladies' night, which offers specials, on Fridays. "We want people to know that they can come here, get a drink, some great food and enjoy a nice, safe environment and have a good time," Tigges said. "People seem to like the changes, and that's awesome."