All photos by GANT photographer Arielle Pelton.
CLEARFIELD – It has been a much-loved and respected Clearfield establishment for the better part of 39 years, starting just down the street on Labor Day in 1977 before moving to the present location in spring of 1978.
Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub is known for great food, including wings and burgers, friendly staff and supporting the local community. It is also known for its hamburger challenges and has been featured on several national television shows.
Now the pub is heading into the future with some updating and upgrading, and owner Denny Liegey says the staff and patrons are ecstatic.
“It was time for a face lift,” Liegey said about the renovations taking place at the restaurant. He said it is a way to say thank you to the community and staff.
He noted ideas came from both patrons and staff, and it will work better with a more open layout, more seating, a larger bar area and so on.
He said the bar area has been redone, and there will be changes to the entrances and they are adding some nice features. And there are new things on the way, which he didn’t want to disclose just yet.
All of the work is being done by local contractors. CAM General Contracting is the main contractor on the job, and other local contractors have been doing the plumbing, electrical and other work.
Liegey said it was important to him to use local people because they supported him and his business over the years. “Local people helping local people is what being neighbors is all about,” he said.
“I wouldn’t do it any other way.” He noted the addition of the back bar, which was built by Steiner Woodworking using old whiskey barrels.
What has been the reaction to the changes so far?
“People are ecstatic,” he laughed. He added that business has increased 18-20 percent, and they are not done yet.
For the past five to 10 years, customers have made suggestions, and he took them to heart. “We embraced the customers’ voice,” he said.
The plan is for renovations to be completed before summer in the next four to six weeks, and he and the contractor are working on the final timeline.
“I’m really proud of the accomplishments of fixing issues,” Liegey said, noting that he is happy to be able to do this for the customers and staff.
“I’m proud to be a part of Clearfield,” he said, “And I’m proud that we’ve been able to take care of 30 families who work for us.”