Bielat Santore & Company Interviews New Restaurant Owner, Pat O'Connor for "Who's Who in the Restaurant Industry" Series
Eastampton Township, New Jersey (PRWEB) July 13, 2015 -- A new name isn’t all that customers will have to get used to at Irish pub, O’Connor’s American Bar & Grill. Known for 40 years as Charley’s Other Brother, the recently sold Eastampton, New Jersey eatery has passed the chef hat along to a new owner who is preparing to unveil a fresh remodel and updated menu this month.
Locals may recognize the current owner, Pat O’Connor from his previous experience in the industry as co-owner of Cambridge Inn and Camelot Caterers in Spotswood, New Jersey. His 20 year stint in the banquet hall scene gave him a lot of ideas to revamp the eatery with hopes to become a neighborhood favorite. “I felt a name change and update would bring new life to Charley’s,” said O’Connor, whose plans include refurbished flooring, bathrooms, tables, chairs, and dining rooms. “The restaurant is different than the Cambridge Inn and much bigger. I’m definitely going to key in on the banquets.”
O’Connor is also redesigning the menu with upscale pub food including appetizers, sandwiches and other Irish specialties. The bar, surrounded by 14, fifty-inch TVs, will be fully stocked with 36 beers on tap and have an extensive beer and whisky selection. Additional staff members will also be hired upon reopening. “We did keep some of the staff,” said O’Connor. “They were a little understaffed to begin with so we’re looking to bring in about 40 more employees.”
Although the restaurant has been under construction since the official closing of Charley’s Other Brother on Memorial Day, loyal customers are eagerly awaiting the bar’s grand opening. “I worked in Charley’s for a couple of weeks before it closed so I got the opportunity to introduce myself to customers and let them know what’s going on,” said O’Connor. “I researched the area and the demographics before closing the deal. I’m very confident in the area.”
Despite the remodel, reservations are still pouring in since the restaurant has continued to honor parties and other functions. “It’s challenging holding banquets during renovations,” said O’Connor. The restaurant is totally shut down but the Banquet Room has a separate entrance so we closed off the restaurant part to keep everything separate from the parties. It’s been stressful but we’re getting great feedback.” Events will be held in the Banquet Room accommodating 250 guests, as well as the Pub Room, which holds 80 and the Garden Room, which holds up to 40.
With the help of his wife, two sons and future daughter-in-law, O’Connor has had a positive support system backing him up on this journey. “My son Patrick worked at Cambridge Inn growing up,” said O’Connor. My wife Terri will be here daily with me as well as my other son Sean managing our social media. Who knows, in 10 years when I’m ready to pack it in my kids might take over.”
O’Connor is most looking forward to the construction being complete and focusing on parties and catering. “No more off-premise,” said O’Connor. “That’s a young-man’s game. It beats you up and is a lot of work. I still love to do catering but all in one building is easier, especially since I don’t have a partner anymore like I did at Cambridge Inn.”
The restaurant is expected to open in mid-July with a generous welcoming from the town on the big day. “The town of Eastampton wants to do a ribbon cutting ceremony and help with press,” said O’Connor. “We don’t have an exact day yet but there will be an exclusive cocktail party followed by a soft opening. I’m excited to get the doors open and start meeting the neighborhood!”
O’Connor’s American Bar & Grill will be open for lunch, dinner and drinks. Dine-in, take-out, and on premise catering will be available. Entertainment is scheduled to begin in September. For more information, e-mail hello(at)oconnorsmtholly.com or call 609.261.1555.
About Bielat Santore & Company
Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The company’s expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the company’s website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more.
Richard Santore, Bielat Santore & Company, http://www.123bsc.com/, +1 (732) 531-4200, [email protected]
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