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So What's The Deal With John Ryan's Patio?

Reader wants to know what the fenced in area adjacent to John Ryan's Pub will be used for.

 

Welcome to another edition of "You Ask ... Patch Answers."

Question: What's going on with that patio on the side of John Ryan's Pubs?

Answer: Outdoor dining is definitely a growing trend in Tewksbury and John Ryan's Pub is about to join the party, so to speak.

The Board of Selectmen recently signed off on John Ryan's Pubs' liquor license extending to the patio, which owner Bob Ryan says is 792 sq. feet will have 8-10 tables.

"It's not the prettiest thing," he said with a smile, "but we think people will like it."

The patio isn't open for usage quite yet, as Ryan is waiting for formal approval from the state's Acoholic Beverages Commission. He is hoping it could be open as early as this weekend but certainly by the end of June.

Some other new editions to John Ryan's are some vintage Tewksbury photos being rented from the Tewksbury Historical Society.

About this column: You Ask … Patch Answers is a weekly column for locals looking for solutions to community problem or issues -- from public nuisances, to eye-sores, to local mysteries. If you have a question, a query, a gripe about a public problem in Tewksbury, send it to Bill Gilman at williamg@patch.com and our team of intrepid reporters will dig up an answer. If your question appears in our column you will be entered into a drawing to receive a restaurant gift certificate. Related Topics: Comings and Goings, Economic Development, John Ryan's Pubs, and local restaurants

Karyn

3:54 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012

Hope they install some type of awning or umbrella tables for shade, who wants to sit in a paved and exposed to full sun parking lot?

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Melissa Gleaton

8:32 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012

I think it doesn't look level. At least it doesn't from the street. Hopefully it's an optical illusion.

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Jake P

9:35 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012

unlevel poor job should have hired someone instead of putting it togrether between burgers

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Ronald

10:01 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012

It is not level one bit. They need to work in that. I would not approve it if i was the building dept head.

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Bill Gilman

10:37 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012

LOL ... Holy Camera Angle, Batman! The fault lies not in the architect but in myself. I took the photo at an odd angle just to give it a different look.

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Sean Czarniecki

6:58 am on Friday, June 22, 2012

Actually, Bill, I looked at last week after dinner there and it isn't fully level. Some tables might be tilted a bit, depending on where they are located. That being said, I like the idea, but wish that they had the layout to instead put it behind the building so that Rt. 38 traffic is filtered a bit.

Melissa Gleaton

11:27 am on Friday, June 22, 2012

It's not you, Bill. If you look at your picture, and look along the back fence, you'll see where the fence is level, but the ground is not, by several inches. I think it is a great idea, and if they fix that and add some potted vegetation around the perimeter outside it will be great.

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Karyn

1:30 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

It would be cool to have some "trellis type" landscaping to provide filtering and SHADE.....as if you were sitting in a garden or arbor as opposed to a parking lot!

denise

1:04 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

I like the posts that stop cars from plowing into the outdoor seating. I always get nervous with stupid people in their cars...i hope they open so i can sit and have a frozen drink...

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tired of tewksbury

4:02 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

Should be a furnace with all that black pavment around it, he will have to hose down the patrons to keep them cool but the water will run off easy with the terrible grade job ! Cant wait for the outside bar brawls and people sneaking stuff over the ten cent fence, oh well it will be another empty place in a year or so.

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illegal alien

4:53 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

Why didnt they build some kind of deck so that it would be level?

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Tewksbury2001

9:23 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

You people are brutal. I am looking forward to having a drink out there. You are all complaining about something that hasn't even opened yet.

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Bob Ryan

5:12 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012

There are plans for umbrellas AND vegetation. With regard to the space, it does have a grade to it for runoff however when walking on it, and where the seating will be, it is level. The ten cent tables being built and installed will be level as well. In an economy where businesses are closing every day and the national unemployment rate is at 8.20% we have invested our own money and successfully employ over 25 people. We pay over $20,000 in property taxes to this town, support local charities, are a member of The Tewksbury Historical Society and make every effort to become an integral part of this community.
Tewksbury2001, you are absolutely correct in your assessment of "BRUTAL”.
No matter how hard we work to make this a comfortable family venue, we understand we will never be everything to everybody but are very happy with our decision to invest our families hard earned cash here in Tewksbury. Thank you to all those who have helped make Jon Ryan's a profitable and thriving local family business.

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Janellen27

6:11 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012

BOB RYAN: So glad to hear this, love your attitude. So long as you hire Tewksbury Residents and not Illegals, I'm behind you all the way.

Pink Penguin

11:25 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012

Remember the saying it's not what you say, it's how u say it? Please b kind in your comments. Constructive criticism goes a long way. This family is trying to do something nice for this town and make a living. Make suggestions for them. The patio isn't even open yet.

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Donna Wilson

11:21 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I have to give credit where credit is due - I originally was not impressed with the John Ryan Pub when it first opened and left a semi-bad review. But having visited recently - I have to change my review. They certainly have listened to suggestions. I found the menu to be much more varied and family friendly and the prices more reasonable. The draft beer is fresh and crisp and the drinks are good. I saw the outdoor area on Memorial Day and hey - you work with what you have. I think if they add umbrellas and vegetation the area will be fine. Maybe a nice indoor outdoor floor covering would help some of the heat coming up from the blacktop. I have revised my original opinion to 2 thumbs up!

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Janellen27

5:48 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012

The article said the patio would be open "by the end of June". It's June 28th today; two more days=End of June.

I'm glad Ryan saved the Pub and seems to be doing well. It was always a popular spot, and it's nice to have at least one decent non-bikey pub in town. (Maverick's, TJ's Pub, Casa Whatever... all tough bikey joints.)

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denise

7:41 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012

Janellen27...i am sure he knows time is ticking for the deck...i am also sure that when ever you deal with this town...there is a delay...add some heating fan things...and i will be out there come Sept!!!

Jon Ryans Pubs

8:38 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012

Patio has been open since june 30. Stop by. Had a nice car show today as well. Remember those days? Every Sunday at 4 you can now view classic cars again at Jon Ryans. How's that for nostalgia? Thank you all for your support!

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Janellen27

8:54 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012

HON RYAN'S: That's great news! Glad it's open, and I love car shows! Wish I had known earlier, would have been there!

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Rusty

11:27 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012

Is that all he pays in tax.

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Jon Ryans Pubs

12:59 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Take a look at the outdoor seating now. We are open! We will be closed on July 4th. Have a safe and wonderful day with your family!

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Kiko

1:47 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Ryan's have done a great job with the Pub - it is no longer another vacant eye-sore! Give them a break with all the picky stuff - at least they are making a positive statement for the town. We need more of that attitude and less negative.. imho.

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Janellen27

3:39 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

(The pub wasn't such an eyesore at all while it was vacant, compared to the old Police Station! The leats they could do is take the old, rusted, ugly flagpole down.)

The restaurant business is very, very difficult and challenging. Keep up the great work, JRP.

Janellen27

3:45 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

P.S.: spelling error above (least)

JON RYAN PUBS: I especially like the photo's of historic Tewksbury, by the way. Real nice touch having those pictures for all to see! Maybe spark some interest in town history?

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Melissa Gleaton

3:49 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Just saw pics of the patio posted on Facebook. It looks great!

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Judy Zagzoug

4:48 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Well janellen, i've seen alot of your posts on a lot of different issues, you seem to be quite critical of some of these businesses trying to make a living, fyi Maverick's, TJ Callahan's and Casa whatever that is actually Oscar Pintas, are very good places to eat, Mavericks and TJ's are called a Bar and Grille (Skybox too), that's what they are. All of the owners including Jon Ryan and Mr. Ginsberg who you were grilling from other posts are all people who employ many in this town as well as out, I think you should hold your comment and take a deep breathe before typing, The resturant business is a tough one, many of these owner put their heart, souls, and life savings to continue to be in business because they love it and want to make a profit of making their customers happy. These tough biker bars have retirees, vetrans and family dining at them during the day, every business has it drawbacks, especially if they serve alcohol, which they all do. So Janellen, be more thoughtful before you type, constructive criticism can b e useful, but you seem to want to be hurtful, maybe take up a specific cause, put your talent to work. You seem to want Tewksbury to be a better place to live, I'm all for that. So breathe deep and speak out when you really feel you must.

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Sarah

6:44 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

This made me smile. I know a lot of people who like those establishments too.

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Janellen27

11:41 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

MS. ZAGZOUG:

Are you sure your read my posts here in this thread? There are FIVE(5) of them, Judy, and they are ALL enthusiastic, positive and supportive of the Pub.

[Some folks just see what they want to see. When it comes to message boards, there are those who have nothing to say so they just "troll" others and "flame" the living daylights out of anything they can. I saw enough of that "pack dog mentality" in "The Pike House" thread to know there are many lurking just waiting to pounce on another, rather than contribute something personally authentic, for better or worse. It's really hard not to take "the bait",because it's natural to want to defend oneself, but as soon as one does, that just gives the "flamers" justification to lambaste one again! It's best to ignore those who "attack" a particular person, and not sink to their level, though difficult . I'll try harder. I know I got pretty sick of it the other night in The Pike House thread, but jeeeze, relentless nastiness, afterall.]

I'm not sure why you (and others) would take it upon yourself to lecture me as another poster, Judy. Is that your job here? Reminds me of an Old Chinese Proverb: Never think you know what's good for another; s/he just must start thinking s/he knows what's good for you. Why don't YOU just say what you think of Jon Ryan's Pub and new deck . . . .

Based on your post, Judy, it's hard to believe you are related to The Lexington Zagzoug's.

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Judy Zagzoug

7:27 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

Well, janeleen I hate to weaste everyone else's time, but yes, I'm a daughter of a Lexington ZAGZOUG, a proud one at that! I'm not afraid to use my real name, in fact, look me up I'm in the book, under my very own name that I proudly use. Sorry for expressing an opinion, that differs from yours but in my opinion you seem to be quite critical of small business owners, that was not a personal attack, yours however is. I appreciate if you could look at the website www.heart4davez.com, this is my brother, and this is where my energies lay, not making personal attacks, janellen, whoever you are...

Melissa Gleaton

9:47 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

I've eaten at Mavericks twice and I have enjoyed my meal both times. They make a good chicken broccoli alfredo for a "bar and grill"

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Jon Ryans Pubs

9:22 am on Friday, July 6, 2012

Tonight's Specials at Jon Ryan's!

Baked Salmon
A 10 ounce cut of fresh salmon baked with a sesame glaze and served with potato and vegetable

Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
Sweet and tender lobster meat tossed in a creamy cheese with elbow macaroni, baked to perfection and served with a fresh baked garlic Artisan bread

Fresh Dover Sole
Baked with a seafood stuffing and laced with a light wine and cheese sauce. Served with rice Florentine and fresh vegetables

Fresh Tuna Steak
Flame broiled and finished with a garlic wine and herb butter. This steak is being served alongside a chilled bed of mixed greens with marinated artichokes, roasted yellow tomatoes in a light olive oil and herb then laced with our champagne vinaigrette.

*****************************************
Four Berry Shortcake
Fresh strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries over a buttermilk biscuit with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

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Laryy

9:39 am on Friday, July 6, 2012

My mouth is watering BIG time.

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Judy Zagzoug

7:37 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

Mr. Ryan, I been at your pub a few times, particularly liked the loster roll, looking forward to being on the the patio in the neasr future. Good luck to you!

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Janellen27

7:42 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

JUDY: Your entire post was a nasty attack on me. A lecture, and deserved my reply.

I'm all for small business and support them whenever possible. How many still go to Aubuchon's or T. Hardware these days instead of Home Depot. I do.

No, I DON'T like bikey joints. So what. You do? All of Rt. 38 looks like Argon Alley at night. Main Street USA over the last 25 years has gotten tackier and trashier by the year--in fact, so much so that The Country Club looks totally out of place! If you think Rt. 38 is appealing otherwise, then you've been away from home too long. No accounting for bad taste or no taste at all, and that's what Argon Alley is.

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Judy Zagzoug

8:07 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

This will be my final post to you janellen, since you don't even know where I come from, or where I've been, the reason I even responded is the personal attack on my family name. I've been in T-bury for 12 years, my son graduated high school here, even graduated college this year (UMass Lowell), I do like bikey bars and am not ashamed to say so, I ride on the back of a touring harley, love it. I eat up and down rt. 38 every Saturday and yes rt. 38 could use some sprucing up, I love the library, but I also like the historical aspects of this town, I would love for them all to be perserved, alas progress. I'd rather go to True Value because someone will actually help you there, but I also love shopping at Walmart. Maybe I'm confused, but this is supposed to be constructive not destructive. Thanks janellen for not disappointing me. And before you make fun of my sp mistakes there are many and I own them all.

Janellen27

7:49 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

JON RYAN: I'm sure you read my five supportive comments wrt the Pub. And, I see you liked my idea about the scallions on the potatoe skins, as they now come standard that way. (I admit, I stole the scallions from another venue because they work nicely; they add color and zing. I guess you agree.) I'm all for your business being successful, as I mentioned, and I'm pleased that you grabbed hold of it. My best to you. The deck adds much to the appeal.

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Christine Cicchino

12:14 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

JUDY, Firstly, hank you for your defense. I proudly work for one of those "bikey bars," (As you know) I'm also a single mom and former 10 year Gulf War Veteran. (Oh, and I too ride a Harley..) Many of our patrons are Veterans and some of the nicest people who have been very good to me. The bottom line is that indeed the restaraunt business is very tough. Location nor patron reputation should be an issue here. The heart and soul put into serving the public with great ffood IS. I give all the credit in the world to restaraunt owners. With that being said, I love my job and the owner for whom I work for as well. I wish John Ryan's all the luck in the world and look forward to a visit no matter what the deck looks like!! Judy thank you again.. -Chrissy

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