By Taylor Paraboschi
Chrebet’s Lounge underwent a facelift, and a name change.
“This will be the perfect sports bar for any sports fanatic,” said Shaun Manning, an employee for Night Life Metro, the new management company that took over Chrebet’s Lounge. With the recent name change to BarSocial, and the employment of Night Life Metro, some questioned Wayne Chrebet’s future involvement with the restaurant.
Despite the name, Chrebet still owns the facility and Night Life Metro was simply brought in to change it up and give the restaurant a new feel, Manning said. The management changed the decor to make the bar fit its location, he added.
“Chrebet’s Lounge had a dark feel to it, with a vibe that was meant for New York City,” Manning said. “They wanted to give it a new feel that would make it fit in with its surroundings: an affordable sports bar where people can come to watch their favorite games or have a nice dinner with the family or friends.”
Although still under construction, the venue already glows in an entirely different light than the dark wood and shadowy interior of Chrebet’s. The renovations have focused on accommodating the needs of the sports fan rather than the trendy, New York City clubgoer.
Around the bar 10 new TVs were installed, including two big screens. Patrons will be provided a variety of games broadcast simultaneously, including football, baseball and college sports.
Many of the new fixtures of the bar are custom made. From the custom sport pictures hanging on the walls to the light-blue booths around the room, it is clear that the new management is attempting to bring a fresh, vibrant feel to the bar.
“We wanted everything to have a more personal feel to it. Back when it was Chrebet’s Lounge there was just one bench that wrapped around the entire wall, with little individual tables spread out in front of it,” Manning said. “To make it more personal we took out the bench and replaced it with individual booths so that there would be a more private feel to it. We are also adding outdoor seating in case anyone wanted to sit outside instead.”
For those patrons who aren’t primarily interested in eating and watching sports, the lower level of the bar offers a more traditionally decorated atmosphere. The bar will offer catering for a variety of events. Tan walls reflect candlelight from platforms mounted around the room, which will be available for catered events, corporate meetings and buffets.
The separate entrance to the lower level offers guests privacy, so they do not have to enter through the louder party atmosphere of the upper level. “It’s really great,” Manning said. “We’ve got a full kitchen/bar down here as well as complete Wi-fi access. Perfect for events or business meetings where power point slides or other internet access would be needed.”
According to Manning, the cozy, more laid-back decor on both levels is not the only thing regulars will notice has changed. “The food is going to be fantastic. A burger and fries, casual food type of place,” he said.
Manning believes student-friendly fare need not come with a hefty price tag. “Meal prices will be lowered drastically from what they were before,” Manning said. “Prices will be absolutely affordable for the everyday family or group of students who want to enjoy some great food in a comfortable atmosphere.”