Owners of a popular Buffalo-area bar this week received approval from the Penfield Town Board to open a Bar-Bill Tavern on Empire Boulevard.
Clark Crook, who along with his family owns and operates the Bar-Bill Tavern, plans to transform the former MacGregor’s Grill and Tap Room at 1129 Empire Blvd into a Bar-Bill Tavern. The site will become the business’ third bar, also the first outside of Erie County.
MacGregor’s on Empire closed last year, along with the locally-based chain’s Brighton and Greece restaurants. MacGregor’s restaurants in Gates and Henrietta remain open according to the eatery’s website.
Crook earlier this year applied to the town to rebrand and reopen the 8,300-square-foot building. At Wednesday’s Town Board meeting, Crook’s special use permit was granted, said Kerry Ivers, Penfield’s director of developmental services.
The plan includes some cosmetic work to the century-old building, specifically cleaning and painting within the restaurant, Crook said. He did not propose to change the building’s exterior or property, which borders Lucien Morin Park.
Crook initially said he hoped to open the tavern for business this summer, but now appears it will open later than planned, in 2023.
“Our business model is based on providing a great work environment for our people, high-quality products for our customers and being the best neighbor and an asset the community can be proud of,” Crook said in his application to the Penfield Town Board.
Bar-Bill is known for its chicken wings and beef on weck sandwiches and for drawing patrons from all walks of life, including professional football players, like Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and other celebrities.
Bar-Bill has been operating in East Aurora since 1977.
In 2011, the Crooks purchased the family business from Katie Crook’s uncle, and opened the Clarence shop in January 2020, according to the tavern’s website.
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