Business

New manager makes Arena Sports Grill more family friendly

Dec 17, 2010

156

Maricopa resident Brian Lucey had grown tired of sitting around the house, doing the standard Internet-based job searches. So he printed a stack of resumes and hit the streets in search of potential job opportunities.

“I was really just looking for anything to get me back into the work force,” he said.

It was a successful move on Lucey’s part and resulted in him landing a gig as managing partner of Arena Sports Grill.

“I walked in just looking for a job as a cook, server or anything,” Lucey said. “The owner happened to be looking for a managing partner though and thought I was more than qualified for the position.”

The 37-year-old father of six began his career in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher at age 16 and went on to hold every position in the industry known to man.

“From washing dishes to cooking to serving, I have done it all,” he said.

His most recent job was as a manager at a Wildflower Bread Company in Chandler.

Changes Lucey plans to implement by the end of the year include a 40-percent menu renovation and the extension of weekend breakfast hours.

“I can’t say much about the menu changes right now, but two new items will be roasted turkey and pizza,” he said.

He said he would also like to transform the restaurant into a more family-friendly establishment.

“We have already made some modifications to our dining room, but we just need to get the family crowds in here to see what we have done,” he said.

In addition to operating and marketing changes, Lucey said he wants to make sure the business focuses a little bit more on giving back to the community.

“We need to get out there and make a positive impact,” he said.

While Lucey has many great ideas for the restaurant, he said he is open to comments and suggestions from others.

“We are here for the customer. I encourage anyone with ideas for the future of Arena to come in, sit down and have a cup of coffee with me,” he said. “I want to get to know the members of this community and the customers of my restaurant.”