Andrew Rich opens Ginny’s Sports Bar & Grill
Andrew Rich admitted to being nervous, scared, and excited a day before Ginny’s Sports Bar & Grill officially opened on Rt. 9W in Cornwall. The grand opening took place on May 20 and a large crowd was seen enjoying the new establishment.
Rich, a 1994 Cornwall graduate and member of the 1993 championship baseball team, always had a dream of opening a sports bar. When the chance to rent the former Azul Agave location presented itself, he jumped at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’ve been a sports fan all my life,” Rich said. “I just realized I would never have another opportunity like this, so I took it and jumped fully in.
Rich made the official announcement nearly two months ago. At which point he had already started sprucing up the interior and making his vision come to life.
The floors and kitchen were professionally cleaned. The walls were repainted and the parking lot repaved. New tables and chairs were added, as well as a number of other amenities.
Upon entering the restaurant, patrons are immediately welcomed by the bar which seats 10 and has six TVs behind it — four 32-inch and two 55-inch screens. On one of the shelves rests a photo of Virginia Rich, whom the establishment was named after. Rich’s mother served as a bartender for over 50 years, mostly with the VFW in Harriman.
To the left of the bar is an outdoor seating area for 10, but is capable of accommodating 25 individuals. Since it’s right off the bar, Rich said it’s a good location for those who want to step outside to smoke.
Immediately to the right of the entryway is a small eating area with three high top tables with 12 seats all together. There’s a modernized Touch Tunes “juke box” as well as an ATM machine.
Bose speakers are located on the back deck, bar and large dining area. The goal is to one day offer Quick Draw and Off Track Betting Kiosks. Rich said OTB went out of business during COVID, so kiosks are being installed in bars instead. A dart board rounds out the area, as well as a collapsible shelf which can be used for dining while watching live music in the larger dining area.
The large room has a pool table and golf arcade game, as well as a dry bar for canned beverages rather than mixed drinks. There are four booths, five high top tables, and six 65-inch screen TVs.
The rear of the restaurant boasts a deck with small tables with umbrellas. Rich brought back the beach volleyball court which existed back when the establishment was the Leprechaun Irish Pub back in the 80s to early 2000s. The beach feel is rounded out with a dark blue deck, white painted building, and light blue lettering.
Rich admits he has no experience running a restaurant, but he does know what he likes and doesn’t like based on experiences at other local bars. Prior to opening his own business, he worked for his cousin in a fuel delivery company and as a security manager for Tiffany and Company.
“I do have very experienced bartenders and an experienced staff, so I’ll be learning everyday from them. I’ll rely on their advice and years of being in the industry to guide me,” he said.
In terms of the restrooms, Rich said he never liked single-occupancy lavatories, so multiple stalls and larger spaces allow for multiple people to enter at the same time.
Rich said he also won’t overcharge for drinks. He said he was appalled having to pay $18 for a Margarita at one of the Newburgh waterfront establishments. Another local bar charges $8 for a beer.
“I understand inflation,” Rich said, “but I don’t see a need for that now that I know what the margins are and the cost of everything. I want a place where people can come and I don’t want to beat them over the head with the prices.”
The bar and grill opened with a scaled down menu featuring chicken wings, hamburgers, a couple of salads, hot dogs, french fries, and mozzarella sticks. Rich’s plan is to get through Memorial Day weekend, and the initial hiccups with staff and the POS system before working with his head cook, who has over 30 years of experience, to expand the menu. Future offerings could include wraps, more salads, quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, and chicken parmesan sandwiches. Rich said it will be traditional bar food, not a five-star restaurant menu.
Ginny’s Sports Bar & Grill, located at 2576 US Highway Rt. 9W, will open at 11:30 a.m. daily, except on Monday when it’s closed. The kitchen will close at 9 p.m., but doors will stay open until midnight, or earlier at the discretion of the bartender.
Rich expects to attract patrons of all ages and will offer a range of live music from classic rock, 90s music, country pop, and even DJs. There are plans for trivia and possibly comedy nights as well.
During football season, Rich will subscribe to the NFL package. For local sports enthusiasts, other channels offered will include MSG, SNY, YES, FOX and CBS sports, and a wide range of sports including golf, tennis, baseball, hockey, and basketball.