From Princeton's to Ivy's: Restaurant revamps
By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
Jan. 18, 2001
A move from fine dining to an atmosphere more suited for sports enthusiasts has the owners of Princeton's Restaurant hopeful for future success.
The fine dining restaurant that opened in February 2000 has decided to change its theme from a combination restaurant/bar to a sports bar and grill a change that also caused the name of the establishment to change from Princeton's to Ivy's Pub and Sports Grill.
The pub is owned by Princeton's Restaurant Management Inc., a Tennessee-based company owned by several shareholders.
Walters admits the change in atmosphere will be dynamic indeed, complete with light structural changes and some changes in the types of foods that will be served.
The expanded sports bar and grill will feature periodic live music and a disc jockey. To accommodate the added emphasis on entertainment, seating in what was the restaurant portion of the building will be removed and a dance floor built. Many more television sets will also be purchased, along with dartboards and billiard tables.
Walters said renovations could begin within two weeks, but the bar will remain open for regular business during the work.
According to Walters, the change in theme will affect not only the atmosphere, but also the selection of food. Already the bar and grill has changed its menu, eliminating entries and concentrating more on appetizers and sandwiches.
Walters said the unexpected success of Ivy's Pub, which was in Princeton's, led to the decision to change the entire theme.
Walters believes the change into Ivy's Pub and Sports Grill will give the business a stronger identity when competing against other restaurants in the city.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.