Chubs Bar and Grill Brings Sports and Community to Ballard County

Ballard County residents are buzzing with excitement over the opening of Chubs Bar and Grill, a new family-friendly sports bar owned by Mason Weir and Darrell Scott. The establishment opened its doors in the former home of Betty's Family Restaurant, bringing new life to a beloved local landmark. "We were inspired by other sports bars and always dreamed of having one for ourselves," Weir shared. "After Darrell Scott and his mother Betty [my grandmother] closed Betty's Family Restaurant because COVID wouldn't allow buffets, we decided not to let the building go to waste."

Chubs Bar and Grill's journey has been a long and challenging one. Over the past two years, Weir and Scott have faced multiple obstacles while transforming the space. "We replaced an old leaking roof, which led to replacing interior walls. Then, a semi backed into the building, busting out a front window, and in May 2023, a big storm tore off the awning over the front of the building," Weir explained. "In October, thieves broke in, made a mess of the place, and stole items. It was a long journey, but now it's all worth it." The dedication has paid off. Chubs boasts a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on great food and customer service. "Our idea is to make it like a Buffalo Wild Wings--not just a bar but also a place for friends and family to get good food together," Weir described.

Weir emphasizes the importance of community in the success of Chubs Bar and Grill. "What sets us apart are the loyal customers and friends, even from the days when this building was Betty's," Weir said. "There's no other sports bar within a 30-mile radius, and definitely none like ours, with a 40-foot-long bar top and 16 bar stools, with more to be added." The food at Chubs is one of its biggest draws, with Darrell bringing more than 40 years of cooking and grilling experience to the table. Darrell's expertise includes winning BBQ on the river trophies and running Betty's Family Restaurant successfully for 12 years. "Darrell's food is going to be a major highlight," Mason Weir stated. "His cooking experience, paired with our vision for a sports bar, will keep people coming back." Community and Future Plans In addition to serving great food and providing a sports bar atmosphere, Weir has ambitious plans to engage with the local community. "Our short-term goal is to build a community and create a welcoming environment that sports fans want to be part of," Weir said. "Long term, we want to attract new customers and keep our loyal ones engaged." The team at Chubs plans to sponsor local sports events and charitable causes while growing their online presence to connect with a broader audience. "We're also planning special events, like karaoke nights, trivia, and viewing parties for major sporting events," Weir added. "We'll partner with local sports teams and community organizations to sponsor events or tournaments." Expansion is already in the works as Chubs looks to open a second dining room for special events. "We're excited to offer more space for larger gatherings, making it a true community hub," said Weir.

The road to opening Chubs Bar and Grill has been an educational experience for Weir and his stepdad. "The biggest lesson Darrell and I have learned is to be proactive and give customers what they want," Weir shared. "When you start a new business, it's 25 hours a day, 8 days a week. You're always thinking about it, making sure everything is right from top to bottom." Despite the hard work, Weir believes the rewards are well worth the effort. "The most rewarding aspect has been being my own boss and seeing this idea come to life," he reflected. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Weir has simple yet powerful advice: "Go for it. Life is short. Do what makes you happy and brings joy to your life." As Chubs Bar and Grill opens its doors to Ballard County, it's clear that Weir and his family are not only creating a place to eat and watch sports but also building a community that will leave a lasting legacy.