MAY 2015 • FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES • 91
After nailing down the concept, the trio opened the
frst Bar 145 in Toledo in May 2011. The partners opened a
second store in January 2013, which they sold to their frst
franchisee just a few months later. Today Bar 145 has six
units system wide (one corporate, fve franchised) located in
small to mid-sized markets in Ohio and Indiana.
Two Taglines
It's pretty standard for a restaurant to have a catchphrase
that expresses what it wants to be for customers: "Welcome
to the Neighborhood," "Have It Your Way," "When You're
Here, You're Family" and so on. Bar 145 has not one, but
two catchphrases: "Burgers, Bands and Bourbon," and "Red
Chucks, White China."
The frst is easy to understand. Bar 145 offers good
burgers (and other bar food) and live music, along with a
big bourbon selection. The choice to feature bourbon, says
Fitzgerald, is a little unusual. "It was just something different.
I wanted something catchier . . . It's a very American restau-
rant focused on burgers and high-quality bar food. What bet-
ter drink than a true American drink, which is bourbon?"
"Red Chucks, White China" is higher concept, but
captures the overall spirit of Bar 145 well. "Chucks," says
Fitzgerald, refers to the classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneak-
ers that staff wear (always in red) and refects the fun and
relaxed atmosphere at Bar 145. Meanwhile, the chain serves
its meals on white china, symbolizing how seriously the
concept takes it food.
BAR 145
FINDS ITS NICHE