Ryan's in Gallagher re-opening today

[BMoreX]

Title says it all.

[JAX 3758]

why was it closed in first place? renovations?

[BMoreX]

why was it closed in first place? renovations?

The Andy's place has been closed since last May and it sat unoccupied for most of fall semester. I think they started renovations around Thanksgiving to have a start date at the end of January but I guess there were a few delays.

[boozehound]

Hard to believe that you can't make that location work.

[Muskie]

Yeah. I ate their once a season ago or more (maybe two). Food was average and quite expensive. I'm no restauranteur, but you can't tell me a Wings place wouldn't make money there.

[nuts4xu]

Serve bar food, good beer, and you should do well on game days and while the students are there. I assume it is difficult to keep the lights on in the place when school is out, however. I hope the university gives them some sort of break on rent during those times.

At any rate, I liked going there for a pregame beer and am glad it is open again.

[coasterville95]

I remember the old Ryan's before Andy's. Service was horrid,

Still, you can't make it being the only bar on campus?

[XULucho27]

Are they still serving $1 PBR drafts?

Haven't been since I graduated in '08 but yes, the food was marginal at best and the service was meh. But, $1 PBR's made it all worth it.

[Cheesehead]

I don't think Ryan's is a very efficient use of space. It's really too small. I also agree service was horrid and food was not much better. Andy's was a dumb idea. Need basic menu: burgers/wings/ and maybe grilled/cheese chicken tender for kids. Throw in some basic appetizers like nachos and skins and couple of salads. Done.

It got to the point where I didn't even bother w/ that place. Only thing going for it was location.

Some specials would be be nice too.

[drudy23]

So it was Ryan's...then it was Andy's...now it's back to Ryan's?

[GoMuskies]

My guess is that a major problem is that the rent is too damned high!

[BBC 08]

It's tough to make money when the student workers are giving their friends free food. Not saying that has anything to do with why it's not working but basic business sense tells me that is not a great way to run a business.

[ammtd34]

Nothing of value to add, but my dad used to love getting a beer in there. He thought that beer in a student center was awesome.

[nuts4xu]

My guess is that a major problem is that the rent is too damned high!

I was under the impression Xavier priced the rent at a very affordable rate. They can't have rent too high, or else no one would make any money when the students are not on campus.

[bleedXblue]

As soon as University Station opens, Ryans or whatever theyre going to call it will struggle.

It HAS to be simple.

Have a good selection of domestic and import draft.

Bar food: burgers, wings, chicken tenders........

Service has to be quick.

Most people dont have more than an hour to eat and grab a beer before the game starts.

[OH.X.MI]

I think one of the underlying issues for Ryans/Andys is that when students, especially underclassman, want to pay for a meal that's not from the caf they are looking to get off campus for a bit. I remember freshman and sophomore year how refreshing it was to drive to Hyde Park or Mt. Lookout to get a burger or whatever.

[XULucho27]

As soon as University Station opens, Ryans or whatever theyre going to call it will struggle.

It HAS to be simple.

Have a good selection of domestic and import draft.

Bar food: burgers, wings, chicken tenders........

Service has to be quick.

Most people dont have more than an hour to eat and grab a beer before the game starts.

I agree. I'd also suggest they sell themselves on a sports pub concept. By that I mean purchasing and installing more and larger T.V.'s The reason we would often pass on watching sporting events as undergrads at Ryan's was because the T.V.'s were small and there were only two or three of them.

You need something to attract students on non-game days. My guess is a large number of televisions (not quite as many as say a B-Dubs but still a good amount) would help draw students during football season and other "slow" periods where X basketball isn't bringing in any outside customers.

[BMoreX]

One of my friends posted their menu board on twitter. Can't seem to get the image function to work so just click on the links.

Menu board:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BhaO4U-IUAA4zST.jpg:large

Beer:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BhaXRWEIYAAN4wj.jpg:large

Seems ridiculously overpriced, especially for a college student. For the price of a burger and a side of fries, I can go to Dana's happy hour and get burger, fries, a pitcher, and have money to spare.

EDIT:
Here's a look at the inside. Much more TVs, it looks like.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bha2E30IYAAqh1j.jpg:large

[LA Muskie]

I'll be there Friday evening and will report back.

[ammtd34]

Decent beer selection. Hop Ryot is really good.

[X-man]

I'm going to check it out tomorrow. The beers look good, but I can't tell from the links if Listerman's is on one (or two) of the taps. I know that they were interested in getting in there, and I really hope that they did. Awesome beers, and talk about fresh!!!!!

[Kahns Krazy]

Interesting. At those prices, the food better be good and fresh, and I agree that once the Station opens, it's going to be tough to get people in there.

[Retire33]

Buffalo Chicken wrap was top flight at Ryan's back in 2002-2004

[BBC 08]

Buffalo Chicken wrap was top flight at Ryan's back in 2002-2004

Had nothing on the quessadilla at the place where Subway is now.

[ammtd34]

Had nothing on the quessadilla at the place where Subway is now.

That was unreal. I probably had 4 a week.

[nuts4xu]

I'm going to check it out tomorrow. The beers look good, but I can't tell from the links if Listerman's is on one (or two) of the taps. I know that they were interested in getting in there, and I really hope that they did. Awesome beers, and talk about fresh!!!!!

Listermans have the 2 taps starting on the left side in this picture.

[cheeba]

When I was a student at X we had the Grille for our lone dining option and the Down Under was the go to place to watch any sporting event on Cable TV (espn, etc). Enough said. The idea of stumbling back to the dorms/apartments versus risking driving and dui's, it's a no brainer.

I was at the game last week with a fellow X Alum and we headed to Ryan's/Andy's for a pre-game beer. Couldn't believe it was closed. How can you not be successful being the only bar on campus?? I understand it is going to be challenging in the summer, but when school is in session there is no reason not to kill it. Even when X does not have a basketball game, the NFL is on TV 3 nights a week college football, etc. Make it into a reasonably priced sports bar that caters to the college crowd and there you go.....cheap beer and crappy fried food. Here's hoping for a place that can last!

[GetUp5]

$18.99 for 18 wings?! That's ridiculous.

Place is way overpriced.

[X-man]

Listermans have the 2 taps starting on the left side in this picture.

Thanks. I thought the taps looked like Listerman's, but I couldn't be sure from the link. I will stop by tomorrow to make sure the beers are good.

[xu82]

Agreed, a sports bar theme with plenty of TV's and affordable bar menu should be a no brainer. I would imagine the school would keep the rent down to make it viable and improve the overall campus experience. I would have loved getting out of the room to have a place to catch the games, and these days there's always a game on somewhere! When does University Station open? What's in the first phase(s)?

[Michigan Muskie]

I always enjoyed our pre-game ritual at Ryan's, but damn - those prices look more like what you'd find inside the arena.

[BMoreX]

Agreed, a sports bar theme with plenty of TV's and affordable bar menu should be a no brainer. I would imagine the school would keep the rent down to make it viable and improve the overall campus experience. I would have loved getting out of the room to have a place to catch the games, and these days there's always a game on somewhere! When does University Station open? What's in the first phase(s)?

I've heard Starbucks, Graeter's, Lucky Blue Pizza. Forget if there's anything else.

[xu82]

The pizza joint might be some competition for the same dollars (despite a fairly crappy website).

[Milhouse]

I honestly think the prices are so high because they don't want the students going crazy at an on campus bar.

They eliminated $1 PBRs when I was there because "it encouraged binge drinking"

[ballyhoohoo]

I honestly think the prices are so high because they don't want the students going crazy at an on campus bar.

They eliminated $1 PBRs when I was there because "it encouraged binge drinking"

If binge drinking is wrong I don't want to be right.

[blueblob06]

I am blown away with how poorly Xavier has managed things at Gallagher. I brought my family into Gallagher to show them around before a game early this season. We walk down stairs and Ryan's is covered up. I ask someone there. "Oh yeah that won't be open til sometime next year". Really?!?! Others also walked down while we were standing there and saw there was no restaurant and walked out. Well, at least we can stock up on stuff at the bookstore...nope! Was closed that day and several other gamedays when I've stopped over there. What a joke. Yes, there's the "X Store" at Cintas but the selection is nothing compared to the full bookstore assortment. I can't imagine the amount of dollars lost by them not having those two places open for every gameday (or almost every gameday) of the season. Re-design the restaurant for the millionth time during the summer when there are less students and no weekly events that bring 10,000 people to campus!

And agreed, the places that were in there before the Subway, etc were awesome. Quesadillas, amazing! Iggy's Subs? Also, very good. And even the ice cream place that was there a short time (Scoops 'N Scones I think?) was good, nice place for a quick date.

[Muskie]

I honestly think the prices are so high because they don't want the students going crazy at an on campus bar.

They eliminated $1 PBRs when I was there because "it encouraged binge drinking"

I get that on one level... But 18.99 for 18 wings is WAY TOO HIGH. Don't they want to encourage students to eat their during the week (heck 6 for $6.49 seems pricey).

*** I just checked the BW3 menu near my house.

At least 5 for $5.99
At least 20 for 18.79

[zanesxu]

location, not surprisingly, is going to be a big factor here...

my sense is that the foot-traffic center of the campus has shifted significantly... whereas GSC used to be the main hub 2002-2009ish, now with the learning commons and new business school (and more food options for a relatively stable market size), fewer folks, especially upperclassmen make regular stops in GSC...

plus i'd pick Currito 10 out of 10...

prices while absolutely important, might play a slightly lower role for students on meal plans with dollars loaded from mom & dad... but still, yeah, those prices are high...

[Muskie]

I am blown away with how poorly Xavier has managed things at Gallagher. I brought my family into Gallagher to show them around before a game early this season. We walk down stairs and Ryan's is covered up. I ask someone there. "Oh yeah that won't be open til sometime next year". Really?!?! Others also walked down while we were standing there and saw there was no restaurant and walked out. Well, at least we can stock up on stuff at the bookstore...nope! Was closed that day and several other gamedays when I've stopped over there. What a joke. Yes, there's the "X Store" at Cintas but the selection is nothing compared to the full bookstore assortment. I can't imagine the amount of dollars lost by them not having those two places open for every gameday (or almost every gameday) of the season. Re-design the restaurant for the millionth time during the summer when there are less students and no weekly events that bring 10,000 people to campus!

And agreed, the places that were in there before the Subway, etc were awesome. Quesadillas, amazing! Iggy's Subs? Also, very good. And even the ice cream place that was there a short time (Scoops 'N Scones I think?) was good, nice place for a quick date.

If X is on break they do not have anyone staff the on-campus bookstore. I've complained about this for years.

[X-man]

Hard to believe that you can't make that location work.

It worked great when the Gallagher Center (and Ryans) first opened. They had table service, well-priced bar food, $1 PBR's along with pitchers, and the place was always PACKED on game days. When they "modified" it by eliminating table service, eliminating the $1 drafts and pitchers, lowering the food quality, and (especially) after Andy took it over and ruined it, the place went to hell. They even had to be "forced" to open on big game days when they happened during breaks in the academic calendar! Frankly it has been totally mismanaged after those early days, probably a good "case study" in how to blow a good thing. I just hope that they "get it", and start to return to what works. But I worry given the pricing.

[blueblob06]

If X is on break they do not have anyone staff the on-campus bookstore. I've complained about this for years.

I agree. There's always 2 students sitting at the front desk at Gallagher. Not sure how they can find them and not find a few more to work the bookstore. There are lots of Xavier students that are from Cincinnati.

[XUFan09]

The concern for binge drinking kills me. They do realize they just pushed all those wanting to binge drink off campus to Dana's, Monty's, etc., right? They could have kept those students on campus, which is actually safer, especially since campus police constantly stroll through there.

[blueblob06]

The concern for binge drinking kills me. They do realize they just pushed all those wanting to binge drink off campus to Dana's, Monty's, etc., right? They could have kept those students on campus, which is actually safer, especially since campus police constantly stroll through there.

$3 and $4 beers? Time to head back to the dorms and drink!

[94GRAD]

It's funny reading this thread knowing how much rent costs at most places. Throw in the cost of food, alcohol, labor, insurance etc., people don't realize how hard it is to run a profitable bar/restaurant.

[gladdenguy]

Don't worry 94Grad I will be buying my fair share of Bud Lights on Saturday :jumpforjoy:

[BandAid]

Ryan's was awful when I was at X (05-09). It's only saving grace was the $1 PBRs.

They should turn it over to the business students to run. I don't think X has ever had a truly successful student run business on campus. So if it loses money - who the eff cares? If the service is bad - we're already used to it. If the food is crap - we expect it. It's a learning environment. Plus, if it is run to break-even compared to make profit, prices would certainly come down.

But, if the students do well...it'd be pretty freakin awesome for everyone.

[blobfan]

Ryan's was awful when I was at X (05-09). It's only saving grace was the $1 PBRs.

They should turn it over to the business students to run. I don't think X has ever had a truly successful student run business on campus. So if it loses money - who the eff cares? If the service is bad - we're already used to it. If the food is crap - we expect it. It's a learning environment. Plus, if it is run to break-even compared to make profit, prices would certainly come down.

But, if the students do well...it'd be pretty freakin awesome for everyone.
That's an awesome idea. Send a note to the Dean and see if he bites.

[GetUp5]

I agree. There's always 2 students sitting at the front desk at Gallagher. Not sure how they can find them and not find a few more to work the bookstore. There are lots of Xavier students that are from Cincinnati.

The bookstore not being open on game days is ridiculous. You need 2, maybe 3 people to work. It's one of those things that legitimately makes your head hurt because it makes so little sense and you just know some dumbass is running it.

[XUFan09]

Ryan's was awful when I was at X (05-09). It's only saving grace was the $1 PBRs.

They should turn it over to the business students to run. I don't think X has ever had a truly successful student run business on campus. So if it loses money - who the eff cares? If the service is bad - we're already used to it. If the food is crap - we expect it. It's a learning environment. Plus, if it is run to break-even compared to make profit, prices would certainly come down.

But, if the students do well...it'd be pretty freakin awesome for everyone.

Hey, you were there at the exact same time as me! Give them credit for the buffalo chicken wrap at least...but nothing else. The only time Ryan's was good was when I was friends with whoever was working. Otherwise, the service sucked. As someone with extensive experience in food service management, poor service is reprehensible to me (and often correctable with a change of management/culture).

I really like the idea of making it student-run.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[RoseyMuskie]

It's already been somewhat touched upon, but the problem the location has is that it is convenient for students on campus - who are underage - and inconvienent for those who are off campus. I lived on campus for two years, and while I'd be lying if I said I didn't drink (cough binge drink cough), I was smart enough not to do it around campus police. When most students are of age, they live off campus, and Dana's is not only cheaper, but it is also closer. Throw in a better atmosphere, and it's a no-brainer.

I've never worked in the food/bar industry, but it's a safe assumption to assume that the profit margin on alcohol is much higher than food. As such, that location is generally going to be at a disadvantage because the higher paying/drinking clients will just go to Dana's. Heck, we went down to Newport every Thursday my senior year.

Long story short, I won't be surprised if it fails again. Now another fast food restaurant that's open late, that could do damage.

Call me Jon Taffer!

Slightly off topic, but one request for 94 - any chance you could put in a keg of Rhinegeist, MadTree, Listermann's, Blank Slate, etc.? Just one. And you could do it purely during basketball season (next year now). I fully understand that you cater to college students who generally aren't craft beer drinkers, but I think the tap would do well with alumni coming in once a week for pre/post game in season.

I'd be willing to bet that you've already considered or experimented before with an idea like that, and I don't want to tell you how to run your bar, so I'm just throwing this out there. I think you'd make a lot of alumni happy.

[94GRAD]

It's already been somewhat touched upon, but the problem the location has is that it is convenient for students on campus - who are underage - and inconvienent for those who are off campus. I lived on campus for two years, and while I'd be lying if I said I didn't drink (cough binge drink cough), I was smart enough not to do it around campus police. When most students are of age, they live off campus, and Dana's is not only cheaper, but it is also closer. Throw in a better atmosphere, and it's a no-brainer.

I've never worked in the food/bar industry, but it's a safe assumption to assume that the profit margin on alcohol is much higher than food. As such, that location is generally going to be at a disadvantage because the higher paying/drinking clients will just go to Dana's. Heck, we went down to Newport every Thursday my senior year.

Long story short, I won't be surprised if it fails again. Now another fast food restaurant that's open late, that could do damage.

Call me Jon Taffer!

Slightly off topic, but one request for 94 - any chance you could put in a keg of Rhinegeist, MadTree, Listermann's, Blank Slate, etc.? Just one. And you could do it purely during basketball season (next year now). I fully understand that you cater to college students who generally aren't craft beer drinkers, but I think the tap would do well with alumni coming in once a week for pre/post game in season.

I'd be willing to bet that you've already considered or experimented before with an idea like that, and I don't want to tell you how to run your bar, so I'm just throwing this out there. I think you'd make a lot of alumni happy.


Had a meeting with Listerman's Monday. Working on a tap from them. Waiting to get samples from Rhingiest and Mad Tree to sell cans/bottles. Request accepted.

[RoseyMuskie]

Had a meeting with Listerman's Monday. Working on a tap from them. Waiting to get samples from Rhingiest and Mad Tree to sell cans/bottles. Request accepted.

Awesome. You're the man!

[Kahns Krazy]

It's funny reading this thread knowing how much rent costs at most places. Throw in the cost of food, alcohol, labor, insurance etc., people don't realize how hard it is to run a profitable bar/restaurant.

Not to mention all the free beers the staff gives me when I tell them I know BJ.

[Tardy Turtle]

Not to mention all the free beers the staff gives me when I tell them I give BJs.

fixed

[GoMuskies]

If Kahn's is giving out BJs for beer, shouldn't he at least have to give BJ a BJ for beer since BJ bought the beer.

[Pablo's Brother]

fixed

Funniest post of the year.

[LA Muskie]

I went today. They have good beer. And a much improved atmosphere with plenty of XU nostalgia. That's about all I can report. Didn't eat.

[94GRAD]

It's already been somewhat touched upon, but the problem the location has is that it is convenient for students on campus - who are underage - and inconvienent for those who are off campus. I lived on campus for two years, and while I'd be lying if I said I didn't drink (cough binge drink cough), I was smart enough not to do it around campus police. When most students are of age, they live off campus, and Dana's is not only cheaper, but it is also closer. Throw in a better atmosphere, and it's a no-brainer.

I've never worked in the food/bar industry, but it's a safe assumption to assume that the profit margin on alcohol is much higher than food. As such, that location is generally going to be at a disadvantage because the higher paying/drinking clients will just go to Dana's. Heck, we went down to Newport every Thursday my senior year.

Long story short, I won't be surprised if it fails again. Now another fast food restaurant that's open late, that could do damage.

Call me Jon Taffer!

Slightly off topic, but one request for 94 - any chance you could put in a keg of Rhinegeist, MadTree, Listermann's, Blank Slate, etc.? Just one. And you could do it purely during basketball season (next year now). I fully understand that you cater to college students who generally aren't craft beer drinkers, but I think the tap would do well with alumni coming in once a week for pre/post game in season.

I'd be willing to bet that you've already considered or experimented before with an idea like that, and I don't want to tell you how to run your bar, so I'm just throwing this out there. I think you'd make a lot of alumni happy.

Listermann's Planetary IPA is officially on tap with two offerings each from Mad Tree and Rhinegeist in cans.

[RoseyMuskie]

Listermann's Planetary IPA is officially on tap with two offerings each from Mad Tree and Rhinegeist in cans.

Saw on Twitter yesterday. You're two steps ahead of the game.

Hope to be celebrating with one of those in my hand after the game today!

[SemajParlor]

Not sure if they have it but Ryan's Buffalo Chicken Wrap circa 09 was top notch.

[x_man11]

Had nothing on the quessadilla at the place where Subway is now.

That was awesome. While we're at it, anyone remember the Burger King lady there? "WHATCHU WANT? WHATCHU NEED?" Classic. I used to go in there and try to get her to crack a smile or something.

[BBC 08]

That was awesome. While we're at it, anyone remember the Burger King lady there? "WHATCHU WANT? WHATCHU NEED?" Classic. I used to go in there and try to get her to crack a smile or something.

Oh man! She was the best.

[blueballs]

I believe her name, God rest her soul, was miss Edith.

My favorite quote of hers was "you want gravy on that?"

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[blueballs]

Actually miss Edith was long gone before bk was there. Must be her daughter, the legend continues.

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[XUOHTX]

That was awesome. While we're at it, anyone remember the Burger King lady there? "WHATCHU WANT? WHATCHU NEED?" Classic. I used to go in there and try to get her to crack a smile or something.

I got so fat from that BK

[Antiproton]

I remember the BK lady. Never got her to smile, but she used to give me double chicken nuggets for free. I guess it was because I was a regular and treated her decently.

[KabeX]

Decent beer selection. Hop Ryot is really good.

They have Stone. Good enough for me.

[x_man11]

I remember the BK lady. Never got her to smile, but she used to give me double chicken nuggets for free. I guess it was because I was a regular and treated her decently.

I always made an effort to ask how her day was going and be polite when ordering, and thank her. She actually was a nice lady, just a bit gruff when you first step up to the counter!