Yes, there really is a bear at the Bear's Den. That's David E. "Bear" Reynolds, beloved proprietor of the restaurant and bar in the basement of the old Daniel Boone Hotel. He bought the place 10 years ago and plans to hang on for one more year.

"It's like a football player. ...

... You play as long as you can, ...

... then it's time to go."

In the kitchen at the Bear's Den, owner and cook "Bear" Reynolds serves up one of his huge sandwiches for a customer to take home.

Bear8 .. 8x5.425 Monday ellis