New restaurant and sports bar to open soon near Mercer University in Macon
The co-owner of a popular spot in downtown Macon is opening soon a new restaurant and sports bar near Mercer University.
Ron Whidby of Cashman’s Pub at 370 Cherry St. is also co-owner of The Library Taphouse and Kitchen at 1530 Mercer University Drive in the former Growler USA location.
“We have a wide variety of beers that will be carried on tap — almost like a library — that has all kinds of different books,” Whidby said. “We’re going to have different beers. That’s the concept behind it.”
Whidby and a friend who’s partnering with him to open The Library inherited all the taps from Growler. In addition to draft beer, they’ll also offer bottled varieties, Whidby said.
‘A fun environment’
“We’re trying to provide a fun environment to watch sports,” he said.
The same head chief at Cashman’s Pub — Executive Chef Reginald Perkins — will also be over The Library.
“He’ll be overseeing both locations because that’s what we’ve strived for here at Cashman’s — just to make sure the food was the main priority, and so that’s the same thing we’re doing at The Library,” Whidby said.
The menu is expected to be similar but different and feature hamburgers, wings, sandwiches and wraps, he said.
“It’s just going to be a variety,” Whidby said.
The Library is set to open later this month or in early June once it acquires its alcohol license.
“I’m ready to rock and roll,” Whidby said.
Initial hours are expected to be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Hours are likely to be extended on weekends, and once Monday Night Football rolls around, Whidby said he plans to open the restaurant and sports bar on Mondays also. Right now, Whidby said he’s using Mondays for staff planning.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 2:21 PM.