By Cassie Greene and John Ostapowicz / Jambar Contributor
John Rudy, a Youngstown local with a passion for the community and food, shared his history behind opening the sports bar, Varsity Club, in downtown Youngstown.
Rudy opened the establishment Dec. 12, 2024, and has generated a partnership between Youngstown State University’s 21 competitive sports.
The Varsity Club is a take on the feeling of a local, hometown bar. Rudy said he’s always wanted to own a business downtown, and the restaurant allows for community fellowship.
“The downtown [Youngstown] community can be connected again,” Rudy said.
The Varsity Club offers a large patio, which will soon include an outdoor bar with over 15 chairs, a stage for live music, TVs, bocce courts and a fire pit.
The building that houses the Varsity Club was built in 1904, and the exposed brick on the building has stood for almost 122 years.
Rudy’s passion for food stemmed from spaghetti dinners at his grandma’s house when he was 14-years-old. Over time, Rudy progressed in the restaurant industry, which led him to co-own Magic Tree Pub & Eatery in Boardman.
Wing nights and happy hours are coming soon to the Varsity Club. For YSU students, Rudy said he’s hoping to allow the use of Pete’s Points in the near future, with the proof of a YSU ID.
For the 2025 YSU football season, Rudy plans to offer a spot where students, parents and other community members can tailgate and watch the game on the patio.
Robert Salven, a Varsity Club employee, said his experience as an employee at the establishment has taught him the value of teamwork.
“Everyone who’s down here is very genuine, you can tell they want to make a difference,” Salven said.
Over the next five years, Rudy said he plans to open more restaurant locations in and near the Mahoning Valley.
“[The idea is] to have more Varsity Clubs open up all around, such as Kent or even right in Boardman,” Rudy said.
This St. Patrick’s Day, Varsity Club will have live music from 8-11 p.m. from the Youngstown band, RDNA.
