When someone suggested they name their newly opened sports bar – in the former Frog and Toad Sports Bar and Grill location – after the shenanigans they get into, the name stuck.
“We thought about keeping the name, but we didn’t want to be the third owners of The Frog and Toad. We wanted something of our own,” Savoie said.
Savoie said each day has been getting busier since opening two weeks ago.
MacInnis and Savoie, the co-owners of Shenanigans Sports Bar, saw a need for the venture, and believe their customer base agrees.
Though they’re not the only bar with televisions set to football and hockey, Savoie says they’re the only one focusing on sports – only playing music on weekends, decorating with sports memorabilia (some of which was there before and some of which is newly added), and constantly having whatever game or race interests their customers most on their large screens.
Savoie said the business venture – their first – is something they’ve wanted to do for awhile as they’re both big sports fans, and are involved locally with rugby.
Having spent time frequenting sports bars, he knew what kind of feeling he wanted to evoke.
“It reminds me of Cheers… a cosy place where everyone likes to go.”
Savoie, who grew up in Merigomish and now lives in Stellarton, was one of many Maritimers who have made the trek to Alberta to work in oil fields, working himself up to senior supervisor.
The 26-year-old, who is also a lobster fisherman, grew tired of being away from home, and finds himself drawn to the hospitality industry.
“It’s better being able to sleep in my own bed.”
It’s a bit of a switch for MacInnis, in his late 30s, as well, who comes from a background of machining.
It didn’t take long for them to get the business underway – seven weeks to crack fill, paint, and go through the paperwork.
They have a staff of 10, including Savoie and MacInnis, and serve pub fare such as nachos, and wings, while trying to keep up with regular specials with ‘their own spin.’
They’re holding a grand opening this weekend, Nov. 1, in conjunction with a Halloween party.
They open at 11 a.m. every day and close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
On Twitter: @NGNewsAmanda
