Don't worry ... the new owners aren't changing the wings or sauces at . In fact, plans are now in the works to bottle and sell the sauces.
But, some changes have already taken place at the 10,000-square-foot restaurant and bar.
Mike Simms, 48, and his wife Diane have owned the restaurant since Feb. 13 and since then the focus has been on making the service better and enhancing the quality and types of food offered.
"We're trying to do some upgrading with the food," said Simms, a graduate. "We're going to try some new wing sauces, new pizzas and sandwiches ... stuff like that."
But more importantly than a few new menu items, Simms said patrons will notice a difference in service.
"I don't think it was always very attentive," he said. "My whole philosophy is that if you treat the employees well and take care of the staff [of about 45-50], they will take care of the customers the same way."
Simms also said he leads by example. Although his title may be owner, you'll see him busing tables, greeting patrons and cooking food.
"I think people will think, 'That guy is doing whatever it takes to make this place busy and successful," he said.
Before taking ownership of On Tap, Simms was a controller for the North Hampton Restaurant Group that oversaw the operations at the restaurant. And, while in college at the University of Akron, Simms was involved in the food business.
"I worked my way through college at A & W," he said. "When I was just out of college a friend and I talked about owning a place, but it never happened ... owning this restaurant has been a dream come true for me."
Besides some food changes, better service and a new owner, it's still business as usual at On Tap.
The restaurant still boasts happy hours, Karaoke nights, a patio with a fire pit, sandpit with cornhole boards and lunch specials. Oh, and don't forget about the free popcorn — that's sticking around too.
"It's still going to feel the same for the regulars who have been coming here for years," said Simms. "It's the place where fun times happen."
For more information, visit the restaurant's Facebook page.
I'll give it a try with a new owner, and wish him luck!
well, the last thing i would call the staff is "attentive," let's say that. the hostess flat out texted while we were trying to talk to her, didn't inform us that we could sit at the bar outside, then when we asked "can we have that table that just opened up outside?" she handed us menus and said "yea, here, you can clean it off." ummm...do i work here or do you? the waitress we had was fine, nice and did a good job. it was a *little* long between visits and getting drinks, etc, but not terrible. food-wise, the veggie burger was indeed pretty fantastic and i loved my buffalo burger. what i didn't love was that they left off the cheese, blue cheese dressing and jalapenos from both mine and my wife's. that's half the sandwich wrong on two orders! and it's a "we recommend" signature burger. yikes! but the waitress took care of it quickly and apologized. also, the breaded broccoli was an excellent appetizer. so...i liked the food and that's why i'll go back. the staff's not the worst, but they still have a LONG way to go to be as "attentive" as the new owner claims they should be.
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Being the new owner of On Tap, It is my goal to provide the attentive service and good food That our patrons deserve. We continue to strive to achieve those goals and through customer feedback like yours I am able to address our weaknesses. To be "greeted" in the manner you were is unacceptable and will be addressed immediately. It is my belief that the way a customer is greeted will set the tone for the rest of their visit. I am glad that the food was good and that the server fixed the issues you had with your food in a timely manner. As for our service, I agree we are not where I want to be when attending to customers but we have made strides in that direction and will continue to work to achieve our goals of customer satisfaction. Upon your next visit please ask for me, as i would like to talk to you in person. Thanks for your feedback and your patronage Mike Simms
We ordered the chips and cheese and I liked the fact they were willing to give you some extra cheese if you ran out. I've NEVER experienced that anywhere (unless they charged you lol). We will definitely be back.