By David Denson, Gary Crusader
Downtown Gary will soon be the home of a new restaurant.
Ray Ross and Dwayne Rancier, two budding young entrepreneurs from East Chicago are bringing back to life the Bennigan’s facility located next to the RailCat’s Baseball Stadium, and with it the hope that the community will support the new venture.
Plans are underway for R&R Sports & Grill, scheduled to open in mid-May at the former Bennigan’s restaurant location, 500 East 5th Avenue.
The R&R brand, which operates a jerk chicken restaurant in East Chicago, hopes to develop a new base of customers in the “Steel City.”
“There are not many jerk chicken restaurants in the area, we wanted to bring that uniqueness into the area. Our motto here is family, fun and sports. We are appealing to those who may want to stop by after work; steel mill workers can come in and have a drink, or stop by for lunch. We are going to have lunch specials and we are broadening our menus, and have more traditional foods. There will be something for everybody.”
R&R Sports & Grill will be open Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 12: 00 a.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The building that was once the Bennigan’s site is owned by the City of Gary and leased to the RailCat’s organization. Ross and Rancifer have signed on as sublessors.
“We presented them with a proposal to the city of Gary and the RailCat’s owners, and they liked our proposal. They came out to our restaurants and liked our food, and saw how our current flow is and here we are,” said Ross.
The entrepreneurs will also rent out the Diamond Center for special events such as retirement parties, receptions and other special events.
“What we see and hear is unlimited potential not only for the City of Gary, but we will also provide employment opportunities and a place with a nice environment for our customers that is enjoyable for families. We plan to hire a staff of between 50-75 people,” said Dwayne Rancifer.
A job fair for prospective employees will be held at the Diamond Center, located next to the RailCat’s Stadium Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
