Family-Oriented Beef ‘O’ Brady’s To Become ‘Third Place’ in Bentonville

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Pete Kosowski

Sports Restaurant/Pub to Link with Local Schools, Churches, Teams

Bentonville, AR – There's home. There's work. And then there's Beef ‘O' Brady's.

Fast becoming America's "Third Place," Beef ‘O’ Brady's has found a new home in Bentonville. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, a new "community partner" forging close relationships with local schools, sports teams and other organizations, opened its doors on Sunday, August 31 at 2500 SW 14th St. Owner Mathew Amato has brought a family-friendly element to the traditional sports pub concept with multiple TVs, arcade games and a casual dining experience.

Citing the 1989 book The Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg, Amato has signed on for a "way of life" by opening "The Third Place" of Bentonville. In the book, Oldenburg says people typically consider home as the "first" place in their lives, work as the "second", followed by the third place: where they go to enjoy a "playful" atmosphere that is less than serious than the previous two environments. All of this fits what Beef `O' Brady's has become known for in nearly 255 communities nationwide.

"The Third Place is where people go to let loose among friends. Everything that Beef's has been about over the past two decades has centered around community relationships and the neighborhood, said local owner Amato. "We're the place for families, local sports groups and church organizations to meet. We're the place people feel comfortable going to. That's why Beef's is a strong contender to become America's ‘Third Place.’"

Beef `O’ Brady’s of Bentonville features large screen TVs, complemented by smaller screens strategically placed for viewing from anywhere in the restaurant. It will also feature interactive video games for children and a menu offering Buffalo wings, chicken fingers, salads, a variety of sandwiches and burgers and select desserts.

"We plan to become an integral part of the Bentonville community," Amato said. "Already, we have created ties with the community through sponsorship of local sporting organizations and we are eager to expand our involvement. Customers who come into our Beef `O’ Brady’s will immediately feel at home. Every Beef’s tells a story about their community, and we are no different."

Ironically, despite what its name implies, Beef `O’ Brady’s is best known for its Buffalo chicken wings. Originally, the chain’s menu featured a variety of menu items that featured beef and a variety of sandwiches. Later, founder Jim Mellody added his own recipe for Buffalo chicken wings, making the restaurant an even "hotter" place to eat. In fact, his sauce is bottled under a private label and sold on the Beef `O’ Brady’s web site.

About Beef `O’ Brady’s
Beef 'O' Brady's is a fast-growing national chain of family sports pubs that achieves its success by building relationships with the local schools, youth sports leagues, and other community organizations in each and every Beef 'O' Brady's neighborhood market. The "kid appeal" of this unique concept is reinforced by a very moderately priced kids menu and video games. Ironically, despite what the name implies, Beef 'O' Brady's is actually best known for its Buffalo-style chicken wings. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has nearly 255 locations throughout the Southeast and the Midwest.