North Adams Pub's New Owner Hopes to 'Enhance Experience'
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mingo's Sports Bar & Grill on Roberts Drive is getting a new owner. But don't expect too much change.
"We're really going to focus on the quality of the food coming out of the back," said Matt Moore, currently going through a training process with Mingo's as he learns the business. "It's always been good but I think we can always improve."
The business, as Moore's Mingos, was approved for an all-alcohol liquor license by the License Board on Wednesday.
Moore said he'd been looking for change in career and his friends a place to invest in. Their partnership spoke with Mingo's owners and a deal was inked on the change, which will take place soon.
"The opportunity came along and it made sense," said James Shaker, president and CEO of Mingo's. "This will allow us to focus on Greylock Bowl and Golf, while giving Mingo's a management team that can take it to the next level."
Mount Greylock Bowl was purchased by Osmin Alvarez, owner of iBerkshire's parent company Boxcar Media, in 2012. The facility was renamed and revamped to accommodate an event space and golf simulators.
The restaurant, too, was renovated as a sports pub with a focus on burgers and other pub fare and a large outdoor deck added on.
For Moore, who lives in North Bennington, Vt., with his wife and two young daughters, it will be a change from the beer and wine sales he's done the past 15 years.
"I was just looking for something different to do," he said. "It was something I wanted to do. I thought this opportunity was a good one."
His "big life decision" was made easier because he said Mingo's already has great food and a loyal following. And he's found the staff to be hard-working, friendly and knowledgeable.
"They didn't skip a beat with anything," he said. "The loyal customers are extremely loyal."
He's been at the restaurant for about five weeks now introducing himself to customers and getting feedback from patrons, staff and Shaker about what they like and what doesn't do as well.
"We're a sports pub. We're burgers, appetizers and beer right now and we're fine for being known for that," Moore said. "It was good when we came here, we're just going put my spin on it, our spin on it."
However, he's looking to trim down the menu, add some new items like the already popular fresh cut fries, and improve ingredients.
"I know we're getting better ingredients. We're locally sourcing meats out of Bennington at Henry's Market," he said. "We did ask around here but none of the butchers are doing anything commercial now."
He's also working on ways to beef up catering opportunities at the bowling alley and how to better utilize the fire pit area off the dining deck, possibly something along the lines as a kids' area. He's also talking with management on how to make the restaurant parking more visible because the packed lot often means the bowling is full — but not necessarily the restaurant.
"I want this to be a place that young families around North Adams, Williamstown and surrounding communities want to go to," Moore. "For me, it has been great to see my daughters and their friends playing in the outdoor area while my wife and I are enjoying our meal. ...
"We are looking forward to making the outdoor area as kid friendly as possible with games, basketball hoop and anything else that we can come up with, just to make it a great family experience that they will want to have again."
"It's been kind of a whirlwind for five weeks, it's a lot to learn and I want to learn it all," Moore said. "Being the general manager, it will be my job to understand everything that goes on here. ...
"I want our staff to know that I can be one of them. I can do dishes, if I need to, I can do whatever."
"I also want our loyal customers to know that you can still expect the familiar experience you've always had at Mingo's with additions that will enhance that experience."
Tags: restaurants,
