CORTLAND – On Monday, Beef ‘O’Brady’s, a family restaurant and sports bar, will open its doors in Cortland in the former Subway at 3660 Niles Cortland Road N.E.

Owner Rick Pregibon said the establishment has a full liquor license.

“This is what Cortland really needs,” server Maria McKee said as she folded napkins to prepare for Monday’s opening.

The franchise’s website currently offers printable coupons and the menu consists of American-style foods, including pizza, wings and burgers.

Pregibon said he got the idea to open the restaurant when the steel mill he worked at for 24 years closed in 2012. While visiting family in the Tampa area, where the franchise is based, Pregibon said he enjoyed the food and atmosphere Beef ‘O’ Brady’s offers.

The hardest part of the process, according to the owner, was securing loans for the venture in a “tight” financial market.

Cortland Mayor Curt Moll said, “It is a big addition to Cortland and I am sure it will attract more visitors to the city and its other businesses.”

Pregibon said they had to remove some of the old Subway decor for the Lakeview-themed sports bar. The walls now feature football paraphernalia, a life-sized star athlete and a large frame to feature a student athlete of the month.

Ben Witt, a Lakeview senior on the football team’s offensive and defensive lines, with a 3.94 grade-point average, is currently featured.

Children eat free from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and there is a burger and fries special on Mondays.

rfox@tribtoday.com