B'HF
Bob 'The Hammer' Fleming
Founder (1994)
Former Peoria Rivermen enforcer and Hockey Hall of Fame member who opened Hammer's in 1994 to bring Bartonville great sports and a casual hometown feel.
Bartonville, IL · Est. 1994
Pass the Puck, Pass the Tradition
Founded by Peoria Rivermen legend Bob “The Hammer” Fleming, carried forward by Brad & Joann Kempthorne, and now owned by Brad's future son-in-law, Shane Harvey.
Our History
30+ Years of Great Food & Sports
It all started in 1994 when former Peoria Rivermen enforcer and Hockey Hall of Fame member Bob “The Hammer” Fleming opened the doors of Hammer’s Bar & Restaurant in Bartonville, Illinois. The concept was simple — to bring fans the best sports while serving up a casual, hometown dining experience.
In 2007, Bob passed the puck to his former Rivermen teammate and fellow Hockey Hall of Fame member, Brad Kempthorne, who owned and operated Hammer’s alongside his wife Joann. Brad still keeps a hand in the day-to-day today, more than 18 years later.
Today, the tradition continues under Brad's future son-in-law, Shane Harvey — engaged to Brad's daughter, he now owns and operates Hammer's as the third generation to carry the puck forward. From Bob, to Brad, to Shane, the Rivermen legacy lives on in every plate served and every game shown.
In our Diner, Chef Armondo serves up fresh, homemade breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM (closed Mondays). In the Bar & Restaurant, the kitchen dishes out daily specials, unique pizzas, giant tenderloins, and our 4-time Peoria championship wings until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, while the bar stays open late until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.
What Drives Us
The Hammer's Promise
Rivermen Hockey Heritage
Founded by Peoria Rivermen Hall of Famer Bob Fleming, carried on by Brad Kempthorne, and now owned by Brad's future son-in-law Shane Harvey. Three generations, one proud legacy.
Homemade Quality
From Chef Armondo's morning breakfast to our award-winning wings and signature pizzas, we never cut corners on fresh taste.
Community First
For over 30 years, Hammer's has been Bartonville's living room — serving generations of local families, sports fans, and regulars.
The Leadership
Three Generations & Kitchen Craft
B&JK
Brad & Joann Kempthorne
Owners (2007 – Present)
Brad, Bob's former Rivermen teammate and fellow Hockey Hall of Fame member, took over the puck in 2007 alongside Joann. Brad still keeps a hand in the day-to-day operations today.
SH
Shane Harvey
Owner (Current)
Brad's future son-in-law, engaged to Brad's daughter, who now carries the Hammer's tradition forward as the third generation to own and operate the bar & restaurant.
CA
Chef Armondo
Head Chef
Serves up fresh, scratch-made breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday, plus Hammer's signature pizzas, wings, and hearty tavern plates.
Stop By Bartonville's Favorite Spot
Catch the game on 16 TVs, grab Peoria's best wings, or bring the family for Chef Armondo's fresh breakfast.
Reserve Table / Group Party