Murphy’s Pub set to expand into former Bar Giuliani space
Jun. 25, 2009 - by Margaret Carrigan – buzz Writer
Murphys. Photo: Sarah Syman
Murphy’s Pub is planning to expand in order to better accommodate its loyal and extensive following of patrons. After being approached by the development company that owns the space of the former Bar Giuliani’s, owner Ryan Block took them up on their offer to buy the extra square footage.
Block said the additional space will boast a brand new bar, which is being handcrafted in Arthur, Ill., by skilled Amish woodworkers. More seating will be added, including bench seating in the back to complement the existing benches in the original space. The windows will also be fitted with screens so they can be opened on pleasant days. Providing the screen windows work out well, Block said they will also update the existing windows to open sometime next year. The expansion will also allow for more pool tables, air hockey and other bar games.
However, Block is adamant that the beloved Murphy’s atmosphere will remain the same. The décor will merely be carried over into the new space while the same tables will be used in the seating area. “We’re going to tie it in with what we started 40 years ago,” he said.
The expansion is projected to be finished by the time students start to return for the upcoming fall semester.
Murphy’s Pub is located on 604 E Green St in Champaign.
says:
Interesting. I'd submit that the atmosphere died when they took over the former bw3's space and moved the kitchen from the front, along the green street window to it's current location. Murphy's has never been the same since, even though they tried to keep the NW corner intact. Que sera.
Don't even get me started on the "beer battered" chicken tenders from the "old Murphy's." They were fucking great!
That said, I still like Murphy's anyway. Can't blame them for trying to increase profits.