Trading Company

Vern Knox was a business student at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and a former bartender at Scruples. While searching for a location for a new gay bar in the city, he learned that Leigh Carey, who operated the live music venue at Stones Throw, wanted to sell his lease. Because Knox was graduating in two semesters, he did not plan to own the bar outright and instead pursued a partnership. Wayne Marek heard about Knox’s plans and reached out, interested in the opportunity.

The Trading Company’s grand opening took place near Labor Day 1995 and drew a large crowd, even surpassing the holiday parties at already established bars. The clientele was mixed in age and gender. With a house DJ and a dance club feel, the bar catered to Eau Claire’s gay population.

On the administrative side, however, the bar’s partnership was tense. Marek failed to consult Knox on numerous occasions. He put the bar in his own name and opened the Stage Door Café in the building’s basement without consulting Knox. He later hired a general manager when Vern went on vacation for a week. Knox walked out in the summer of 1996 due to the disputes.

In 1997, Marek bought another nearby bar, Scruples, and reopened it as Scooters, advertising the two locations as "sister bars” with unique drink specials and live entertainment. By the end of the year, he sold that bar to Jody Kvapil and David Beranek. 

The Trading Company closed in 1997. Chuck Wilke purchased the bar, renaming it Cornerstone, and turning it into a live rock venue. In 2000, the bar reverted to the Stones Throw name.