By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Bull & Bear Grille and Tavern has opened another location in Youngstown at the former Inner Circle Pizza at the corner of Elm Street and Lincoln Avenue.
The new location was opened by Youngstown State University alumni, Hadi Hadi, who graduated in 1995. Hadi spoke briefly about his time on campus.
“Inner Circle Pizza has been on campus since I remember coming here as a student in my freshman year,” Hadi said. “Even when I graduated and I was done, I would still come down here, hang out, get wings and pizza.”
Hadi shared the story of acquiring the building after the passing of the previous owner, William “Bill” Glenellen.
After frequenting Inner Circle Pizza, Hadi and Glenellen became friends. He asked Glenellen to keep him at the top of the list whenever he is ready to sell. Hadi said, “it felt like fate” when he received Glenellen’s call and offer to sell.
According to Hadi, Bull & Bear differentiates itself from other local restaurants with its well-rounded menu.
“We offer a full-service menu. It is a very diverse menu,” Hadi said.
The restaurant offers various salads, appetizers, handhelds — burgers and sandwiches — as well as desserts to fulfill dining needs. Hadi also said he believes it has a “niche” serving style.
“We skewer our protein, chicken, filet tips and shrimp,” Hadi said.
To complete its full-service menu, Bull & Bear offers pizza and a full bar — serving signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. “Happy Hour” begins at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with reduced prices on draft beers and cocktails.
With students in mind, the restaurant accepts Pete’s Points as another form of payment.
The interior layout also caters to students. To the right of the entrance hall is the main seating area with a bar, radios and televisions for patrons’ entertainment. To the left of the hall is another dining area without any radio or television.
Hadi explained that the separation was done for students who want to study and have a bite.
“We left this side for anyone who might want to read and get a bite to eat so they don’t get the noise from next door,” Hadi said.
The gaming area to the left of the bar was installed for students to decompress.
“The gaming area was an idea for students who got that two hour break, maybe a commuter student that doesn’t want to drive all the way to Springfield or Girard…they can come down here, [have a drink] get something to eat, then they can hang out with a couple friends in the gaming area,” Hadi said.
The daily operation of the restaurant is overseen by Carlos Ramirez, managing partner. Ramirez has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
With Bull & Bear being close to the Williamson College of Business Administration, Hadi and Ramirez said they would be open to mentoring students interested in entrepreneurship.
“Any type of knowledge we’ve gathered over the years…we definitely want to pass that on to anyone willing to listen and learn,” Ramirez.
Bull & Bear will be open all week, Sundays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
With a full-service menu, Bull & Bear is ready and raring to serve the YSU community.