Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has come to Springfield. The family-style sports pub opened Jan. 24, making it the second Illinois location for the Florida-based franchise. The company operates 142 locations in 17 states, including one in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is located at 2599. Wabash Ave. in the space that operated as The Pasta House Co. up until Dec. 24. Citing his “large investment” at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Veterans Parkway, Joe Rupnik said it was strictly a business decision to cease operating as The Pasta House Co. and become a franchisee for Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.
“I’ve eaten at them for years,” said Rupnik, who described the Beef ‘O’ Brady concept as a “family sports pub, the word ‘bar’ is nowhere to be found.” In a December interview with SBJ, he said, “I’m going to zero in on grade school and middle school sports, sponsor a lot of teams, do giveaways for youngsters that get good grades, read a book, that sort of thing.”
The menu also includes some of Rupnik’s signature items, such as the same horseshoes and chili served at The Dublin Pub, another restaurant venture that he has operated for many years.
In addition to new signage, the interior was revamped during the brief closure.
Operating hours are 11 a.m.to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
