After 15 years of service to the Athens community, the Pigskin Sports Bar & Grill received a facelift this summer, transforming it into a full-service drinking and dining experience.
The Pigskin, 38 N. Court St., expanded into the Bali Karma next door, said Chris Roach, the Pigskin's general manager. He added that the renovations included a new bar, flooring, bathroom, seating and menu to provide tableside dining for its customers.
The overhaul began June 13, the day after graduation, Roach said. The bar reopened Sept. 3 for the start of the school year.
We chose this time for the renovation because stuff in the building was getting old and we want to make it a better place
Roach said.
Roach would not comment on the price of the renovation.
The renovation will allow the bar to provide tableside dining by day and a full-service bar by night, said Ric Wasserman, the Pigskin's owner.
(Now that we've reopened) we will be bigger and better he said. A third bigger.
Along with the renovations, the bar added more TVs to provide customers with a fun and friendly atmosphere the bar was lacking before, Roach said.
This is the place to go to be able to watch TV in a live atmosphere Roach said. Always TVs and always sporting events.
The Pigskin's new tableside service, along with the additional TVs, will help business, Roach said.
Wasserman said he thinks the renovated bar will attract students because it offers both a food and nightlife destination.
A lot of food is fresh
handmade products
not frozen
Roach said. We batter our own fish and chicken.
He added that the bar sells good, fresh hamburgers that are never frozen and appetizers made from scratch.
The price of items on the new menu ranges from $4.00 to $25.00, he said, adding that the price of a typical meal is $6.50.
Some student customers are happy with the Pigskin's renovations.
It will definitely be more convenient to booze and drink
said Tom Gorman, a junior studying aviation.
A junior studying video production, Eric Rieser said he really liked the atmosphere of the new Pigskin.
It's kind of cool
Rieser said. It's a different atmosphere. It's more like a lounge.
Although the Pigskin is attracting more customers, Larry Weir, manager of Pawpurr's Bar, said it is not affecting his business.
It looks nice
Weir said. But I don't believe anything will be taken away from us. We have our specials every week and a decent crowd every night of the week.
Although the bar has only been open a week, Roach said he is happy with visitors' reactions so far.
Since we have reopened
the business is great
people are excited to come in
