Blackstone Pub & Grill celebrates first year in business

WANTAGE — The Blackstone Pub & Grill opened up exactly one year ago, but had trouble gaining a following their first few months in business.

After receiving several negative online reviews, owner Ted Wilson sold part of his share to Kevin Stender, a 15-year-veteran of the restaurant business.

“Since he’s been here, it’s been consistent,” Wilson said. “What you come in for, you’re going to get it again.”

Making changes
Since Stender’s arrival, the restaurant has made renovations, added entertainment options and completely reworked the entire menu.

“We made changes, no doubt,” Wilson said. “Inside, outside — you name it.”

“It’s still a glorified bar menu,” Stender said, “but it’s a little unique.”

German specialties — including schnitzel, sauerbraten and wurst — prove that Blackstone isn’t just a typical hamburger joint. While the new menu does include burgers, it also includes salads, pizza, sandwiches, paninis and wraps, pasta, ribs and steaks.

The biggest change Stender brought with him was his love of food.

“I want to make sure I see every dish before it leaves the kitchen,” he said. “The food represents me.”

Four months after Stender’s arrival, the 87 Route 23 Wantage location is seeing both an increase in return customers and a boom in first-time visitors.

“It seems like a lot of people are rooting for us,” Stender said.

The owners also decided that creating an inviting, family atmosphere was vital for the future of the restaurant. By installing a dividing wall between the upstairs bar and dining area, Wilson said they were able to create “a more family friendly feeling” in the dining room.

A hot spot for entertainment
The duo also worked hard to take advantage of the downstairs portion of the building, which has been transformed into a multiuse entertainment venue.

In addition to DJs, karaoke and bands, the Blackstone hosts monthly comedy club. This Friday, Nov. 29, Jackie “the Joke Man” Martling will headline at the restaurant. Included in the $20 ticket price is a 20 percent discount on the diner bill. Future acts include Robert Kelly on Dec. 27 and Rich Vos on Jan. 31. Tickets to any of the shows can be found at www.jjcomedy.com.

“We both believe in doing things right,” Wilson said. “Make it first class.”

In the future, the pair hopes to franchise out the Blackstone name and philosophy.

“We believe we have something solid here,” Stender said. “The priority is customer service.”

For more information, or to make reservations, call 972-702-1234.