Tom Van Dyke has one thing he would like to clear up with Athens' student population: My name is not 'Hey
Pub Guy ' he says, laughing good-naturedly.
But after 15 years as general manager of The Pub, 39 N. Court St., it is not surprising that Ohio University students cannot separate the man from his work.
Van Dyke, who began working at the bar and grill in 1988, studied engineering at OU in the 1980s, but it didn't really suit me. However, he met his wife, Mary, a local resident, and decided not to leave town.
That suited Pub owners Steve and Teresa Sines, who were looking for help. Steve was looking for a general manager to run the place so he didn't have to be here all the time Van Dyke said.
When Steve Sines purchased The Pub in 1974, it was called J.C.'s and was known for catering to a seedy crowd. He had to change the whole clientele to get it to what it is now
which is local people and students
Van Dyke said.
Some of The Pub's popular lunch entr+
Van Dyke said.
Court Street also has changed since Van Dyke began managing the bar. The street is more restaurants and fast food. There used to be more retail
he said.
But The Pub has remained a constant for 30 years. The street sure has changed
but The Pub's the same
he said. We're probably the last ones with the same name and same owners on the street.
OU alumni on return trips to Athens frequently come in to reminisce, Van Dyke said. People look at us and say
'Wow
you guys are still here?' He said he has had former students recognize him in the Chicago airport and many other unexpected places.
But The Pub has more than a local draw. Bart Follett of
Parkersburg, W. Va., said he began coming to the bar in 1978 because of the motorcycle shop down the street. Although the bike shop has moved across town, Follett still braves the perils of parking Uptown at lunchtime to visit The Pub when he comes to Athens.
I come in here for the food and the atmosphere
