Take a Shot at Johnny Mac’s Sports Bar & Grille

By Kim Dunbar

John McLaughlin has been working on the bar and club scene since before he was even legally allowed to drink.  It was only a matter of time before he opened an establishment of his own.

“Ever since then I have always wanted to do this,” said McLaughlin, who opened Johnny Mac’s Sports Bar & Grille last month.  After working in different capacities at several bars including Raw, Doherty’s, Irish Times and Club Universe, McLaughlin decided the timing was right to go off on his own.  “It was now or never to get my own place. I found a good deal and had to give it a shot,” he said.

Johnny Mac’s, which McLaughlin hopes will become Worcester’s newest hot spot, is located at 455 Pleasant Street, the site of the former 80s Lounge.   McLaughlin took advantage of the building’s unique space and designed Johnny Mac’s as a laid-back place to hang out and relax. He also made sure to include some of the city’s character in his plans.

“I’m trying to make it local,” he said.  According to McLaughlin, who is a former Burncoat High and Worcester State College  athlete, Johnny Mac’s walls will serve as an homage to Worcester born and bred athletes who have made it to the big leagues.  The bar’s memorabilia includes photos of hometown heroes like former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah (St. Peter Marian H.S.), current Seattle Mariner Bryan LaHair  (Holy Name High and Worcester State College), and NBA player Mike Bradley (Burncoat High).

Like every good sports bar owner, McLaughlin has installed TVs to broadcast sporting events and a kitchen that serves everyone’s favorite pub food staples.  “Everything on the menu will be named after one of my friends,” he said.

In addition to the main bar and menu, Johnny Mac’s will also feature a lounge area complete with Nintendo Wiis, a dance area, a pool room and a back bar for private functions. “It has the feel of two different scenes,” explained McLaughlin. “A place to relax and watch games and a place to dance and have some fun.”

The 25-year-old Worcester native said he has had nothing but support and good advice from other bar owners and friends. “I appreciate what they have to say,” said McLaughlin.

“But I know what I’m getting into,” he assured with confidence.  As they say in the sports world, welcome to the big leagues. And it seems McLaughlin is ready for his major debut.