The MacGregor’s Grill & Tap Room that closed about five months ago in Henrietta is about to be reborn as The Shamrock Inn.
The new pub opens at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 at 300 Jefferson Road (originally home to legendary nightclub Red Creek).
The proprietors are Matthew Collins, 27, a Pittsford native now living in Henrietta, and Landon Brice, also 27, of Rush.
The two have known each other since they played soccer together as kids. On Oct. 9 with a team of helpers, they were working feverishly to get their establishment ready for its debut, having been handed the keys just six days prior.
To customers of the former MacGregor’s, the place won’t look much different. Same hunter green walls, same black-and-white checkered floor tiles, same artwork, same tables and chairs (all of which are getting a deep cleaning.)
But there are a few key differences.
A new bar top and new draft lines
∎ The bar top was torn out and replaced by woodworker Karl Vilcins, whose full-time job is bassoonist for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
∎ The old beer draft line system was scrapped, and a new one has been installed. In addition, “We reduced it from 130-something taps down to 78,” said Collins, who graduated from nearby Rochester Institute of Technology in 2020 with a degree in finance.
Collins and Brice also got rid of the beer towers on the bar.
In their place will be liquor-bottle displays shelves.
Less emphasis on beer
The idea is to highlight a more varied drink menu. So, whether you want a cocktail or a mocktail “or you like nice bourbons or you want a craft beer or you just want to come in and have a Busch Light, we want to have that and be a spot for everybody,” said Collins, a financial advisor who for years has moonlighted as a bartender and bar manager.
The Shamrock Inn will offer daily drink specials and specials pegged to happy hour, which will run from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The food menu doesn’t reinvent the wheel
Food offerings will be similar to what MacGregor’s served. “People liked that food,” Collins said. “We don’t want to come in and completely disrupt it. We want to give the community what they want.”
The pub’s name reflects Collins’ Irish heritage, and as you might expect, you’ll be able to order a Reuben sandwich or fish and chips. But options also include a Cajun-spiced Bayou Burger and a Sante Fe Caesar wrap. (See the full food and drink menus at shamrockinnpub.com.)
Collins understands that people don’t have a lot of time for long, leisurely lunches anymore. “Our focus right now is making sure this place is super-clean and being able to serve everyone who comes in here in a timely fashion,” he said.
New games
A game area to the right of the bar features two new electronic dart boards, two new pool tables and a new Golden Tee machine.
On opening weekend, the first 500 people through the door will get Shamrock Inn branded merchandise and scratch-off prize tickets.
Showcasing live acoustic music
Speakers have been installed on the back patio, which has a fire pit, and a stage has been added, because live music is another thing Collins and Brice want to showcase.
Collins expects to host live acoustic acts on the remaining Saturdays in October. The hope next year is to offer live music every Friday and Saturday.
In the event of inclement weather and during the winter, space will be carved out inside for bands to perform, because it’s important to Collins that the pub be flexible.
‘Just work with the customer’
That is especially true when it comes to customer service.
The food and drink menus aren’t set in stone, he said, and special requests are welcome.
“My biggest thing is, just work with the customer.”
A look back: Whatever happened to … Red Creek?
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New pub set to open in Henrietta at former MacGregor’s spot
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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