The pub was underperforming and its owners felt it was time for change, according to Mike Tibbetts, managing partner of Historic Dublin Restaurants.
“Our restaurant group runs the Brazenhead Irish Pubs in the Columbus market and was asked to get involved last month,” Tibbetts said.
The revamped Brazenhead is targeting a Thanksgiving week re-opening following a $150,000 to $200,000 renovation that won’t change the look and feel of the restaurant, which opened in 2005, but will upgrade its tables, chairs, upholstery and floors.
Also in the works are new food and beverage menus, Tibbetts said.
“What we want to do is move from potato skins to a more upscale, gastropub type food,” he said. “More from scratch items, more shareable items, more interesting, up-to-date items. Attractive, healthy choices while maintaining the classic Irish items, and while also bringing in some new Irish items.”
Much of the changes will involve back-of-the-house alterations, including new equipment, new management team and staff training.
While nearly half of the staff of 40 may be retained, there will be a large portion of those hired that are new to Brazenhead. All will receive training to enhance customer service.
“Let’s not lie,” Tibbetts said. “The reviews on Yelp have been terrible, both (for) food and service.”
Those disparaging reviews were part of the reason the son of the restaurant’s founder asked Tibbetts to get involved, he said.
Tibbetts, a chef by training, said he will serve as Brazenhead’s operations manager and provide hands-on guidance.
“I’m down here as many days as I can be … in the kitchen to see if I can get stuff going,” he said.
Gift certificates to Brazenhead that expire while the restaurant is being renovated will be honored when it reopens, Tibbetts said.
For information on available positions, call 614-361-0342 or write to tibbs1212@gmail.com.
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