–by Mary Helen Darah
The original Shawn’s Back Door opened in 1968 in South Toledo as a neighborhood tavern. The eatery also opened a location in Waterville in 2009. Shawn’s Irish Tavern in Sylvania, located at 7436 Bancroft St., opened its doors in 2012, appropriately on St. Patrick’s Day. As Shawn’s celebrates 50 years of providing a family-friendly sports bar atmosphere with good food. they are also proud to support local schools, sports, athletes and their families.
Ryan Kahler, the owner, recently announced that Shawn’s will be expanding its presence in the community with a new endeavor, Shawn’s Back Nine, a facility featuring six golf simulators. “It is going to be connected with my location in Sylvania,” he stated. “The name stems from the original name of our first location on Heatherdowns Blvd., which was called Shawn’s Back Door. That name was switched to Shawn’s Irish Tavern. The name of our new facility pays homage to the original name.
The new facility will be in what used to be the Family Video next door to the King Road and Bancroft location. “The person that owned Family Video was actually my landlord,” stated Kahler. “I wanted to assure Shawn’s Irish Tavern would be around for future generations to enjoy so I kicked around ideas for the space. I am a big golfer, and I am surrounded by a lot of golfers. It hit me that having golf simulators would be a unique use of the space and complement Shawn’s beautifully. I think it is going to be a nice addition for the people who live in the area and frequent my establishment. My liquor license expanded into the area so we are able to serve food and bottled beer to accompany the fun golfing activity. My staff has been trained on the simulator. The touch screen monitor is very simple to use. You pick what course or what game you want to play. It is very user-friendly.”
The opening of the facility was held March 19 where guests enjoyed touring the new Sylvania addition. “We kept it a low-key opening,” stated Kahler. “We wanted to open, show Sylvania what we have to offer, and see what happens. Thus far, the response has been extremely positive.”
Shawn’s Back Nine is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Tee times are available but walk-ins are welcome. “If we don’t have a full tee timesheet, they can play,” said Kahler. “My hope is that people will come in to play some golf, relax, eat next door, watch a game and enjoy themselves. I hope the new space enhances their experience at Shawn’s.”