A Peoria sports bar owner is disappointed by the Big Ten Conference’s decision to suspend college football this fall.
Andy Peugh owns Brasky’s Bar and Grill on North Knoxville Avenue. College football is one of his bar’s biggest draws. It usually brings steady traffic on Saturdays–plus a few nights during the week, he said.
“Unfortunately, this is the time of year when people really enjoy watching these games, and it does bring extra people out–sitting at the bar watching these games,” he said. “So, it will impact (operations) a little bit, but at the same time it’s more of a letdown for the fans.”
Peugh said the loss also is disappointing given the current COVID-19 operational challenges.
“It’s unfortunate because college football was a step in the direction as far as getting back to some normalcy, not to mention sports bars like myself,” said Peugh. “A lot of people will come out. They’ll order food. They’ll order a drink. And, then they’re here to watch a game for two or three hours. It doesn’t look like we’re going to have that.”
Peugh said baseball fans are filling his bar seats currently.
He said he remains optimistic about the future, but keeping indoor service amid COVID-19 is important for customer engagement.
“COVID’s the biggest impact we’ve ever faced,” Peugh said. “As long as we’re able to operate with our door open, we’ll make it. If we have to go back to where we’re closed down and we’re only serving to-go food, that’s just not what we’re made to do.”
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