After a year and a half since Marywood applied for a liquor license, the student coined “Pacer Pub” seems closer than students thought.

Construction has started in front of Nazareth Dining Hall, creating space for the Dining Services new addition.

This year has already been a big year for Dining Services. From their switch to Grubhub to new additions in the Learning Commons, they hope that “Pacer Pub” will be a great new addition.

Chef Robert Misko, Marywood’s executive director of dining services, hopes that at least some part or all would be open by March at the latest, at least weather permitting.

“The main factor is that if we can get the external building done before the ground freezes and the winter comes, then we’re set,” said Misko.

When the pub was first announced, many in the community were skeptical as they believed that Marywood was a dry campus, however Misko has heard little complaints about the new pub.

“I know in the beginning it was a huge issue because people thought we were a dry campus and then it was educated because we are not a dry campus since we have alcohol at catering events,” he states.

In response to those in the community who were on the fence, Misko states, “I do my best to promote this as a pub and a restaurant. In my opinion only, I see the success in the restaurant part, taking nothing away from the pub. I think it’s also important that the restaurant part is a really good aspect because that will pull in more people as well.”

SGA Dining Representative Abbie Kelly hasn’t heard much from students about the Pub.

“I think that students don’t exactly know what’s happening. People have asked me more about what’s going in there, what’s the food and environment.”

Misko has big hopes for the bar as he tries to “promote it more as a bar or to have that stigma that it’s not just a bar, but it’s a place to have fun.”

The area will be open to more than just those over 21. Misko explains that three-quarters of Pacer Pub will be for those over 21 but the other quarter is a restaurant open for those under 21. However, if there are events like a trivia or karaoke night, people won’t feel excluded. This separation will also ensure that there won’t be anyone under 21 at the bar.

Kelly is personally excited for more food spaces and what it will be like, but especially for it to be a space for people to hang out.

“I was talking to Chef Rob about it and he said that there would be live bands and karaoke night, it would just be something for people to go to,” said Kelly.

As the opening date gets closer, The Wood Word will continue to update.

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