When the familiar Cazenovia eatery The Golden Pheasant closed its doors for renovations on Monday, Jan. 16, owner Peter Kuzawski wasn’t planning on reopening the same restaurant.

Less than two weeks later, “The GP,” a sports bar focused on local athletics, opened for business in the Pheasant’s former home at 64 Albany St. Kuzawski still owns the space, and has enlisted the help of restaurant professional Gretchen Powell as the full-time manager. The two hope the restaurant’s fresh format will attract new clientele while continuing to accommodate current customers.

“We remodeled the whole inside, it’s completely changed. The new theme is ‘Blue and Gold’ [because of] the high school and the college,” Kuzawski said. “There are too many restaurants in Cazenovia. I started here 26 years ago and back then there was maybe five others. Now there are 18 places you can go get something to eat. The economy changes, people change.”

The GP served its first burgers and beer on Jan. 26 to a steady stream of customers. Kuzawski said he has focused the menu on offering a couple quality “pub grub” favorites and decreased the cost of the bar’s spirits. Diners can feast on moderately-priced appetizers like the “Wildcat Wings,” numerous entrees including the “Behind the Back Cheddarjack Burger” and choose from a wide variety of beer, wine and liquors as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition, The GP’s menu boasts a special selection with ravenous sports-spectators in mind. The “Laker Tailgate Party,” which can feed about 10 people, consists of burgers, hot dogs, wings, fries, quesadillas, chili-cheese and crackers.

“We want this to be a place where families can go out to dinner, and grab a quick bite to eat after a game or before a game. And then later on in the night, we welcome the college kids,” Powell said. “We’re going to be sponsoring an athlete of the week … who will receive a gift-certificate from us for their dedication and sportsmanship. We’re more [focused] on family now, it’s a great place and it’s not going to bother us if kids are running around.”

Trophies, championship banners and old jerseys from Cazenovia High School and Cazenovia College’s athletic teams adorn the walls of The GP, as well as sports memorabilia from the area’s minor-league teams. Nine TVs enable customers to view whatever game they wish and the latest local sports scores are posted regularly. Powell is working with local coaches in hopes of compiling highlight reels of recent games, which will be shown Sundays.

Kuzawski said there will be no changes to the restaurant’s exterior, aside from a new sign. The same evening activities will be offered inside the restaurant, along with some new events. Powell plans to have nightly drink specials, karaoke, open mic nights and trivia nights, along with appearances by area DJs.

The GP is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. every night. Powell said anyone with photos from local athletic events (past or present seasons) are welcomed to drop off their favorite selections at The GP, to be featured throughout the sports bar.

Pierce Smith is editor of Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].