Fairfield’s newest sports bar opens in space that housed multiple restaurants

Credit: Provided

Credit: Provided

The owners of Berd’s Grill & Bar want to be ingrained in the culture and community of Fairfield.

The restaurant is the latest to open in Village Green, taking over space formerly occupied by Roc’s Grill & Bar and originally occupied by the Symmes Tavern.

The restaurant opened on June 9, and its owners — Matt Berding and Robert MacKendrick — describe it as a local family-friendly sports bar focused on high-quality bar food and drinks.

 

“This is something we talked about for years, the two of us,” said Berding, a 2000 Badin High School graduate. “I’ve always had a passion for sports bars, and the neighborhood feel.”

The Berd’s menu features appetizers, soups and salads, wings, pizza, burgers and chicken sandwiches, a kid’s menu and desserts.

The restaurant also has specialty platters, including the Symmes Tavern Ribs, which pay homage to the first restaurant in the space.

Credit: Provided

Credit: Provided

“We’re trying to get back to that Symmes Tavern feel,” said Berding.

He convinced Joe Schwarz and his son, JoJo Schwarz, who owned Symmes Tavern and still own the building, to let him and his business partner offer the popular ribs.

Berding said he and MacKendrick, a 1999 Fairfield High School graduate, want to be involved in the community, including its events and schools.

“We just hope to be a staple in the community, and provide a place where people can go and enjoy their family and friends,” he said. “We want to be intertwined with the community.”

Berd’s is open 11 a.m. daily and closes at 11 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday, midnight on Thursday, 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sundays.

On Friday, Berd’s will be a prime spot to watch the United States take on France in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday.

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