By ALAN DOOLEY

In a relay race, a baton is passed to the next runner.  In the business world, with the signing of legal paperwork, there is a passing of the key to the next proprietor. That’s what took place Friday and Saturday at The Corner Pub in Valmeyer.

Sharon Schilling has turned over ownership of the tavern and restaurant she ran since 2006 to a new owner, “Snapper” Knowlton.

“Our goal is to become a neighborhood bar,” Knowlton said. “We’ll offer national brands, but we want to feature local products as much as we can.”

That includes local craft beers such as Hopskeller and Stubborn German in Waterloo, Kaskaskia Brewing Company in Red Bud and even Stumpy’s Spirits for distilled products.

“We are also going to broaden the food menu to include not only pizza and burgers, but salads and steaks,” he said.

And like the beverages, as far as possible, foods will come from local providers – meats from Schneider’s and vegetables in season from Stuckmeyers, the new owner said.

“I firmly believe that if we are going to be part of the community, we have to obtain as much as possible locally. Support ought to go both ways,” he emphasized.

OK, so where did the name “Snapper” come from?

“It’s been my name as long as I can remember,” he said with a laugh. “There were some early stories that it came from my grandfather. I was told that he saw me peeking up over the edge of my crib and told the world, ‘He looks like a snapping turtle.’ “

Knowlton, a Dupo native who now resides in Valmeyer, has been part of the bar and restaurant scene for more than 15 years. Most recently, he ran the tavern inside the Hyatt Regency in downtown St. Louis.

“It’s taken almost a year to get to this point,” he said.  “Not many banks are interested in making loans to start restaurants, but State Bank of Waterloo worked with us and stood beside us.”

As for a grand opening, Knowlton said there won’t be one.

“When there’s a grand opening, people think everything’s going to be finished and brand new. We will be a work in progress for some time,” he said.

Plans call for historic Valmeyer scenes on the walls and the addition of multiple TVs to view sporting events, he said.

The last meal under Schilling’s watch was served last Wednesday, after which the old establishment shut its doors.

But business is already piling up, waiting for the reopening. During an interview last week with the new owner, a man walked in.

“You open?” he asked.  “Nope. Two weeks,” Knowlton replied.

In the meantime, the new Corner Pub already has a Facebook page, so be sure to visit for updates.