Oak Ridge Today

New restaurant, bar could open at former Lincoln’s site in April

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Lincoln's Sports Grille

Swifty’s Atomic Bar and Grill could open in April 2016 at the former Lincoln’s Sports Grille, pictured above on South Illinois Avenue in October 2014. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

A new restaurant and bar could open in April at the former Lincoln’s Sports Grille on South Illinois Avenue.

Swifty’s Atomic Bar and Grill could open April 1, general manager Matthew Swift said Monday. The hours and menu haven’t been set yet, but Swift said the restaurant will have fresh food and a full kitchen. Menu items will include wings and bar food, he said.

The goal is to create a place where a family can come and have a good time, Swift said. After about 9-10 p.m., Swifty’s will become a bar, Swift said. The family-owned and family-operated restaurant hopes to offer bands, music, comedy, and karaoke, as well as antique car shows.

The family is still hiring servers and kitchen staff. [Read more…]

After four years, Lincoln’s closes, cites economic conditions

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Lincoln's Sports Grille

After more than four years, Lincoln’s Sports Grille on South Illinois Avenue has shut down, citing economic conditions.

 

Note: This story was updated at 1:30 a.m. Oct. 22.

Lincoln’s Sports Grille has shut down, citing economic conditions. The closure was announced in a sign posted on a front door of the four-year-old restaurant and bar on Monday and in a press release on Tuesday.

The popular restaurant and bar on South Illinois Avenue had had a series of five sometimes-contentious show cause hearings before the Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board. In the last show cause hearing on August 28, members revoked Lincoln’s permit.

Lincoln’s regained the permit after a temporary agreement imposing new conditions was worked out with the city and Beer Board and approved by Anderson County Chancellor Nicki Cantrell, pending an appeal of the Beer Board’s revocation.

But in an interview earlier this month, Scott Green, one of Lincoln’s owners, said the inability to sell beer between late August and early October had a substantial impact on the business. The restaurant and its staff had also been hurt by the bad publicity, Green said.

“It’s been a significant hit on us,” he said. [Read more…]

Beer Board approves short September suspension for Back 2 Brewski’s

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The Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board approved a suspension of up to two weeks for a Grove Center bar that was the scene of an April 14 fight involving two men, including one who police said was very intoxicated.

But the beer permit suspension, scheduled to start Sept. 1, could be shortened to one week if Back 2 Brewski’s meets a few requirements, including proving that employees who need training on responsibly serving alcohol complete a course by Aug. 30. [Read more…]