O’Shays opens its doors

O’Shays, a new sports bar with an Irish pub theme, opened Monday at 20800 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 101, in the spot formerly occupied by the Arena Sports Grill, which closed in July.

Though the Arena sign is still up at the south end of the business, at the north end is a vinyl sign that proclaims “O’Shays Pub & Grill.”

Co-owner Shay Deverse said the appearance of the eatery hasn’t changed much since it was Arena, but more remodeling is planned for next summer. What is new are the 13 55-inch hi-definition big screen televisions.

Deverse’s business partner is Ted Schroder. Both men live in Ahwatukee, but have said they would move to Maricopa if the business does well.

Deverse said they definitely wanted to open for the football season. “Those are the four months where you make your money.”

Along with NFL games on Sunday, the sports bar also will show college football on Saturday and UFC mixed martial arts bouts.

The eatery serves Irish and American dishes and has eight beers on tap including Guinness.