OCEAN PINES — Shooter’s Sports Pub on Racetrack Road opened just in time for Kentucky Derby weekend last Friday.
The venture attracted 200 customers in its maiden run and is the brainchild of pub owners Charles Blake, Chris Ward and Vincent Wood, who have freshened up the former Steer Inn site with boldly painted walls and ceiling to lighten up the “man cave” for guys and gals. With the billiards and electronic sports games, the pub looks like a comfortable Friday night hangout spot.
Wood is a lab technician, who makes animal vaccines and has 20 years of restaurant experience, having worked at the Royal Exchange in Salisbury, Waterman’s Cove and the Marina Deck. Blake, who owns B&B Security, also worked at the Marina Deck. Ward, who is a videographer at Seacrets, is the newest member of the trio.
The décor is definitely shooting for a sports bar feel, with team and bar memorabilia on the walls, windows and light fixtures and football grid carpet in the dining area. The deck and yard in back are being prepped for full service outdoor dining this summer.
Wood said new games that will soon be added include foosball, bubble hockey, and inside basketball.
According to their menu, the drink lineup includes domestic and imported beers, domestic and specialty drafts, and wine and wine-based liquor. Wood said the pub hasn’t concocted its own signature drink yet. “But it’s something we should sit down and work on,” he joked. In the meantime, he said, they can make an orange crush like anybody else can.
For diners, the selections are bar staples with daily specials and steamed items like clams, mussels and shrimp.
Avid sports enthusiasts, Blake said they chose the name “shooters” because of its reference to ball sports. They are counting on the pub to be the go-to spot for game day gatherings for all things sports, including Ultimate Fighting Championship fights, horse racing and special events. There will be Ladies’ Nights on Saturdays, Wood said, stressing that female sports fans were welcome anytime.
Wood said he would also like to start a pool league for competitors 60-years-old and older and shuffle bowl competitions.
Shooter’s Sports Pub is located at 10514 H Racetrack Road (Route 589). The telephone number is 410-208-1900.