Closed during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic period, the River Ridge Golf Club has sat empty in New Port Richey since 2021. But now, at last, a new project is breathing life into the location. It’s called R2 Pub, and it’s opening soon at 11022 Tee Time Circle.
“The project was started at the beginning of the summer with the simple idea of converting a space that hasn’t been used for a while,” General Manager Jeff Jennings told What Now on Wednesday. “It’s going to be a modern American Irish pub, with high-top dining. It’s a sort of unique concept; it doesn’t have ‘booths,’ but we were able to utilize and revive some old church pews to use for seating.”
R2 Pub is still waiting on various licenses for opening, including its liquor license, but once the paperwork goes through, it’s expected to launch with a full liquor bar, a cocktail program, and a food menu featuring Irish and sports bar classics.
“The menu is going to be a blend of things everybody goes to eat at a pub,” Jennings said. “But there are also some true heritage items there. We have a family recipe for bangers and mash that comes from my own ancestors in Ireland.”
The spacious location will also include rentable banquet and private event space. Owner George Harder even hinted, in a conversation with What Now on Wednesday, at the eventual implementation of a high-end cigar bar, “in a few months.”
“It’s going to be as unique to the area and as community-oriented as possible,” Jennings said. “My outlook is: St. Patrick’s Day seven days a week.”
We’re excited to see how this one turns out. Keep your eyes peeled, New Port Richey: R2 Pub is coming soon!
