Youngstown Sports Grille celebrates ninth year

October 14, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Youngstown Sports Grille owner Sean Pregibon shows off the Yuengling tap handles at the bar.

By SARAH FOOR

In any tough economy, service industries like restaurants and bars will often be the first to feel the pain.

On South Avenue in Boardman, Youngstown Sports Grille owner Sean Pregibon has already seen a few of his neighbors close their doors. Nonetheless, Pregibon has toughed out the economy and continued to thrive.

In celebration of nine years in business, the Youngstown Sports Grille will host an event on Oct. 21 to offer a day of fun for kids and adults.

Pregibon said the Grille’s nine years of success can be attributed to one thing.

“It’s absolutely all about work ethic. The failure rate in this business is 90 percent, even in a good market. I think we’ve survived because we focus on great recipes and cooking, we support local athletes and because we truly believe in the concept and mission of the restaurant,” Pregibon said.

Even while facing rising prices in food costs and commodities, Pregibon has kept 50 employees and management staff working at the Sports Grille.

“I support the community with my establishment and I think having successful employees does as well,” Pregibon shared.

For its ninth anniversary celebration, kids will eat free all day on Oct. 21. The facility will have a clown, face painting, cake, balloons and prizes on hand for the little ones.

For adults, the Sports Grille will display an ice sculpture of the number ‘9’ and the Grille logo, offer drink specials, a champagne toast and “The House Band” will perform late into the night.

“On the eve of our anniversary, I feel humble, happy and fortunate to our customers for their support,” Pregibon said.