by Mari Radtke
Kylee Massmann and Karlee Ohrt, both of Paullina have owned and operated a downtown pub and restaurant in Remsen for 6 years. Connors Lounge was sold in late summer of 2025. They and their mom, Shelly decided that with with their kids growing and becoming more active and busy, it was time to simplify. What simplify meant was to find a closer location and relocate Mom. Even though the restaurant was at Remsen, their food was in demand in their home turf. They did a lot of delivery to Paullina.
Connors was sold in late summer. Baxters was purchased and work done inside they opened for business about 3 days after the interior work was done. It was renamed “O’Brien County Pub.” It is a homey and kid-friendly place that offers a homemade daily special and a full menu of common food items. They feature burgers, sandwiches and fryer foods, primarily.
The pub concept is not new, but the selection and environment was a missing element in Primghar. Plus the location checked all the boxes – it was closer to Paullina than Remsen for mom to keep up with all the activities of the growing grandkids, it proximity to their homes, 10 miles verses 25 miles gave them back some of their time, and they were working with a seller who was patient and understanding. The convenience could not be beat.
The close-knit twins already accept wilting responsibilities. Both are fulltime teachers. In addition to the sale of Connors and acquisition of the former Baxter’s in Primghar, they also have become reknown around northwest Iowa for their nutrition beverages. In Paullina, they own and operate Gem Nutrition. In Storm Lake they make the offerings at BV Nutrition at the city’s main intersection at East Milwaukee and Lake Avenue. The third beverage hot spot is 2K Nutrition in LeMars. Double Dose Coffee is the double the beverage pleasure business inside Gem Nutrition. Look for their nutrition and coffee products where you might find food trucks. They have a nutrition trailer for the energy balls, shakes, loaded teas and protien coffees. Don’t forget hog barns fit onto the daily to-do list.
O’Brien County Pub, located on the west side of the square in Primghar is open every day of the year from 11:00am until 9:00pm. You read that correctly – everyday. They are open Sundays, Mondays and holidays.