417 at 4:17: News from Paul Sundy
We caught up with the local bar and restaurant magnate to get the latest on his latest endeavors, including a popular franchise he's opening early this summer.
417 at 4:17 is just what it reads to be: A sparkling bit of information—could be a great happy hour, could be a news nugget—every day at or around 17 minutes past the four o'clock hour (sorry... afternoons only). It's late enough to hearken the near-end of the workday, but early enough to still anticipate a good evening. It's the golden hour. And it's 417 time.
Today's juiciest tidbit comes from local restaurant and bar kingpin Paul Sundy, who brought us up to speed on a number of projects during a phone conversation this afternoon. Among the developments:
• Sundy, along with three partners, has signed a contract to open four Einstein Bros. Bagels locations in Greene and Christian counties over the next four years. The first location, he says, is tentatively set for a June opening. He wasn't hyper-specific on a location, only saying that it would be close to St. John's in mid-Springfield. It's only the 14th franchise location for the 600-plus-store, Denver-based chain, which specializes in bagels, bagel sandwiches and other breakfast-stuffs.
• The second location for Parlor 88 Lounge—known as Parlor East—is set for a March 1 soft opening in the shopping center across from Sam's Club in East Sunshine, assuming all the furnishings can be delivered in time. Sundy says there's no firm date for a grand opening, but that it should be set in coming days and weeks.
• Speaking of Parlor, the original location on East Republic Road (Republic and National) has expanded into a next door space. The new room—which can hold 100 extra patrons—is called the Olive Room at Parlor 88 South, and can hold overflow on busy weekend nights as well as be reserved for private parties.
• Both new Parlor locations, Sundy says, will soon serve lunch. Likewise, downtown's Fedora Social house will soon undergo a menu expansion to add some "more than fondue" items, he says.
• Finally, news on a second location of Big Whiskey's—which Sundy has been working on for a few years now—could be coming soon. We'll let you know if we learn more.
Matt Lemmon, digital director
Reader Comments:
Kudos to another young professional in town bringing great things to the community. Paul has been involved with a lot of great business ventures that I personally enjoy (during happy hour mostly). Best of luck and thanks to 417 Mag for the update.