The Cocky Bull Steak House & Opry Hall

Located in the High Desert of Victorville, California

The original building constructed by Phil Wright back in the early 70's, has gone through many changes and alterations since Tom Hopkins and Tim Coppins built the Opry Hall as an addition to the Ribhouse restaurant and "Bull Pen" lounge back in the 80's.

Old employees fondly remember Tim and Barbie Coppins and the many concerts that Tim promoted, the fabulous steaks and ribs and the unique custom built bar-b-que pit that was the main focal point when you entered the dining room, past the Western Boutique and Rayleen’s hat shop.

Many of the unique features have since been removed, (like the huge open BBQ Pit), the quaint western town look of the front of the building was changed to the flat front it is today, and the Opry Hall has lost some seats because of DJ Booth and Bar additions, and they removed the balcony!?!... But the Spirit of The Cocky Bull has never changed.

.. it was just lost for a few years under the management of non locals who had no love of the history and no fond memories as so many who grew up there, worked there, fell in love there and married there.

Beginning in March of 2007, Mike Schauer and his wife of 34 years restored the building as much as possible, and reopened in September of 2007 with a warm reception from friends of old, and many new. Many of the guests that stopped by during that two week event were only children "back in the day", now adults with children of their own. They remembered BigMike and all the fun times they had at The Cocky Bull on Sunday Nights and on Young Adult night, and wanted their children to experience The Cocky Bull - the way "they" remembered it.


The Opry Hall is open and features live bands, the restaurant serves a fair menu of items.

But, no one will ever understand that, it was not just the "look" of the building or the unique B-B-Q Chuck Wagon Style "menu" or any of the decorations that brought The Cocky Bull back... it was the people. The Customers, the employees, the bands, the concerts. BigMike brought back the "spirit", for a brief and shining moment.


Mike and Carole had worked for many years with Tim and Barbie Coppins and Mike came to know the truth behind the magic that Tim created, and has used many of those same philosophies on other projects. Whether it was shaking hands at the front door, or the unique menu, or keeping menu prices affordable for families, or allowing employees the flexibility to explore and expand their skills and the freedom to be creative, or hosting a money losing concert featuring an unknown artist (who later became a mega star - like Garth, Toby, and many others). It was a lot of "little" things that made The Cocky Bull special. No one learned those secrets better than Mike & Carole, and the few people Mike brought back from the "old days" to help in the restoration.

Mike, Carole, Michelle P., Jen S. and Jamie all understood that The Cocky Bull was more than just a restaurant and bar, it was a way of life. 
You can say what you want about them or the way things got done, but they did it. They brought The Bull back, for all of the people who fell in love with The Cocky Bull and the cowboy way of life.

Just ask anyone who was there before 1996 and who came by to check out the restoration. Little Joe, Gabe, Carol Ann, Brent, Nicole, Bonnie, Arlinda, Carolee, Rayleen, Sandra, Amy, Brad, Jennifer, Matt, Skip, Jerry and so many others who called The Cocky Bull - home.

The Cocky Bull building is a landmark in itself. No matter who, or what goes on inside, the ghosts will always remain as long as the building stands.... and it should remain standing, as a testament to the "old west", the pioneers like Phil Wright, Tim Coppins and Mike Schauer, (and their equally dedicated wives and families). 

Men who built monuments in a barren desert that stand as a reminder, that before developers moved in, you could still hitch your horse to the post outside the saloon. Pioneers, who were ahead of their time, who made many friends, and a few enemies who were envious of their vision and accomplishments. Men and women who worked hard to build a legacy, for others to profit from.

But, then again... "that" is (and always will be) the spirit and the legacy of The Cocky Bull.

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Hey Ya'll!
We are looking for old photographs of those good ol’ days. If you have any photos, Send them to:
                                                                    bmc@TheCockyBull.com


We also would love to have a copy of any videos of parties, weddings or other events you might have taped at The Cocky Bull to share with those who might have missed those golden years! 

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