• Sailorgabe
    15
    Hey guys,

    I'm retired, but I'm thinking of starting a business in Davis. I really think we need a Davis sports college bar where we can have all UC Davis sports are highlighted. What do you guys think? If I were to build a a sports bar downtown do you think it would be welcomed or no?
  • fugawe09
    223
    welcomed by patrons I think yes, if it had the square footage to be viable group watch space and a menu that could sustain itself over the summer. I think now more than ever mobile order takeout/uber eats has to be part of a business plan. The Grad found a way to be a lot of things to a lot of people. But I think there will be headwinds. Specifically, I think the city is known to be difficult about liquor licenses and noise. And a friend who had a shop told me a couple landlords have a near monopoly on downtown real estate. Do you have experience building and owning restaurants?
  • Sailorgabe
    15
    Yes, unfortunately, I've heard similar stories about downtown. I miss the Grad. I did bartend my way through college so I'm experienced in the industry. It would be a simple Aggie bar that serves not just the university but the community at large. It would be the place to be for a big game. Maybe set up an outdoor viewing area for big games too.
  • fugawe09
    223
    there’s a needle to thread to be fun enough to want to watch a game there (or go before/after a home game) but clean enough you can take your parents there for lunch the next day. I’ve built restaurants but never run one. I’ve seen enough episodes of Kitchen Nightmares and Bar Rescue to know it is easy to swim out too deep with life savings in hand though. I think there’s market potential but would need a solid business plan and due diligence to find its niche.
  • Sailorgabe
    15
    Agreed. I don't know, I walk downtown and I feel like there is something missing downtown. We need a central place to hang out watch Davis sports, get beer or burger, but mostly stay to watch the game. Let's say in couple years Davis makes a run in the NCAA tournament, wouldn't it be great to have a place downtown where we can all gather and watch the game? I just think more spirit is needed. I'm just trying to figure out if I'm nutz or are there other fans who would like something like this.
  • fugawe09
    223
    it’s been a minute since I’ve been to town but it always felt like there was a shortage of simple American-fare places. But I live in Florida now so I wouldn’t be a regular patron.
  • SochorField
    226
    This feels like as close as it gets....
    https://www.parksidedavis.com/

    The problem with downtown establishments is that one wouldn't even realize the Aggies exist when walking in. No signs, no banners, no jerseys on the wall, no helmets, no blue and gold.

    Its all fights and NFL, because that's what people in Davis want, apparently.

    If you opened a place, I'd be there every time I'm in town!
  • TrainingRm67
    10
    Most eateries downtown are student-oriented. I get it, but it’s frustrating to have to go out of town to find a place with a different vibe. Winters has a better restaurant selection than downtown Davis, at least for us.
  • Oldbanduhalum
    618
    Parkside is kind of interesting place. Has this national park them going on but markets itself as a UFC/football bar. From what I've seen, it isn't a big supporter of Aggie sports.

    There is a good burger joint, Outpost Burger, that shares the patio with Parkside, so you can order online from Outpost and walk across the patio to pick up and eat it at Parkside.
  • movielover
    564
    There's also the bew pirate bar, haven't been.

    Something like The Grad / Mr. Bs. How is the Mr. Bs new replacement going?... Basics, clean, all ages, and Sunday breakfast seems like a winner. Sudwerk too far out, and have heard mixed reviews about the not-warm interior. Dancing Fri / Sat?
  • AggieFinn
    582


    Like The Grad --- but not closed permanently. I like it!

    When the Aggies move up to Mountain West play...and eventually football -- it would be prime-time to establish yourself as the go-to Aggie bar.
  • Sailorgabe
    15
    There are a couple ideas I'm kicking around. One is to bring in the Anchor Bar - a Buffalo bar franchise that started the wings craze in NY. There are a couple spots this would work. I'd of course remake the decor all Aggies and local Davis sports teams. The focus would be "The Home of Aggie Sports". It would be family oriented but after 9 could turn into a college 21 and over bar. Thanks for your opinion guys, it really helps.

    https://anchorbar.com/
  • Oldbanduhalum
    618
    I'll definitely be at the grand opening!!! University of Beer, which started in Davis with just a small bar and outside patio, has expanded to other locations in the valley (Vacaville and Roseville to name a few), and in those locations it has a kitchen (good bar food). Too bad they can't expand the Davis location.
  • Sailorgabe
    15
    Exactly my thinking. When we hosted Montana St I sat behind a couple who traveled first time to California. They were really excited to see the wine country and the Davis campus. They even asked me where everyone goes after the game...I didn't have the heart to tell them, we don't have a place. But we will change that!
  • SochorField
    226
    Tried to find the "place to be" for football peeps after the Illinois State game.....never really found one.
  • movielover
    564
    How is the Bull and Mouth restaurant, replacement for the former Mr. Bs (last location)?
  • Oldbanduhalum
    618
    I preferred the Irish pub that occupied the space before Bull and Mouth. It’s not bad and has a large space but the food price is a bit steep. Worth checking out though.
  • agalum
    358
    In terms of pub food, i would suggest a limited menu. Have the best (name it) in N. California. There’s a place in Woodland called Zitos. They are known for their tacos. People come from all over to get tacos, even if they don’t drink. Needs plenty of seating. Years ago there was a mexican sports bar near baskin robbins. They had the best taco salad around, but didn’t survive as a sports bar. It was owned by the folks who own la fogata in Woodland.
  • yolohw
    19
    De Vere's Pub ? I once went to the one in Sacramento. Sitting a few tables over were some Gen Z kids, and one of them was from NY (he said so). He was both "enlightened" and incredibly rude to his friends. So weird.
  • yolohw
    19
    I ate at that Mexican restaurant once. I was the first customer of the day and my burrito still took 1/2 hour.
  • 69aggie
    386
    Maybe the new University Mall will have place for this new business just like the old Graduate!
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