After 25 Years, Shenanigans Continues to Create Hollywood “Cheers”

If you feel like there’s been a Shenanigans Pub in Hollywood forever, you’re kind of right – they just celebrated their 25th anniversary in the Westside Sports Pub, and soon they’ll be celebrating the 10th in the Federal Highway location.   

Owners Patrick Utter and his wife Christine, who met 18 years ago when she came in for a job there, have both been in the restaurant business, and in Hollywood, for pretty much their whole lives.  Patrick, who has a culinary degree, has worked at such diverse places as Hollywood Boulevard bars and the renowned Martha’s.  The location of the Sports Pub, across the street from TY Park off Sheridan, had been a few other things before Patrick took it over, but 25 years as what is one of the premier “local” spots in town has cemented it as one of those places that has earned a kind of “Cheers” reputation.  

“In fact,” said Patrick, “in the last season of Cheers, we won a Miami Herald contest for most Cheers-like establishment — that really put us on the map!”

But never content to sit back and rest on their laurels, Patrick and Christine live, sleep and breathe the restaurant business.  They continue to attend food shows and take cooking classes together and are constantly revamping their menu to keep current with trends and ahead of the competition.  

“It’s not an occupation,” added Christine.  “It’s a way of life.  It’s a constantly evolving business.”

Currently, the couple is introducing a group of new, healthier menu items that is being very well received.  Among the most popular so far are the Portabello Mushroom Stack salad, Ultimate Veggie Burger, Veggie Burger and Portobello Wraps and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos.

“But the healthy options are not taking over the original bar food,” Patrick is quick to add.  “The Southern Style Chicken & Waffles are doing amazing too!”

In addition, he pointed out, there are new BBQ combos (the BBQ, along with the smokin’ hot pizza oven, are at the East side location on Federal Highway only) and a separate room available, at that location as well, for private parties.

And the $6 Happy Hour for premium well drinks — all day every day — doesn’t hurt business either!

But Patrick and Christine credit the bulk of their success to two major things: the quality of their food and the caliber of their staff.

“All of our food is fresh, never never frozen,” he said proudly and repeatedly.  “All our food is made in house, by hand, with fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.”

They give special recognition to several long-time employees, including managers Jeremy Patridge and Dan Wiggins, Chef Craig Whyte and bartender Karolina Wohl, among others.  

“We really couldn’t do it all ourselves,” said Patrick.  “Some of these people have been with us for 18 to 25 years.  We like to think that the loyalty of our staff is proof that we’re doing something right.”

In July, Shenanigan’s will celebrate another big anniversary — 10 years since the opening of the east side location.  Put Saturday, July 10th on your calendar…and get ready for a great big party.

Shenanigans Sports Pub is located at Park Sheridan Plaza, 3303 Sheridan Street, just one mile west of I-95 and Sheridan Street across from TY Park, and Shenanigans East Side Pub is at 1300 South Federal Highway in Dania.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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