Panther Pub to Be Open By Village Days, Hiring Staff

The owner of Panther Pub & Eatery wouldn’t give Patch a firm, or as he called it, “etched in stone” opening date.

But Mike Drilling did make a promise.

“It’s safe to say we’ll be open for Village Days,” Drilling said. “That’s a certainty.”

Village Days, which this year will incorporate the village’s 75th anniversary celebration, run Aug. 7-11.

“We’re working really hard to get construction completed by July 15,” Drilling said. “I think we can do that; then it’s a matter of doing the finish work, getting everything wired, getting the staff trained and having a soft opening and trying to get up to speed so when we do open, we can execute.”

Drilling said one of the difficulties with remodeling the former bank at 5651 Broad St. was the use of concrete throughout the building, including an 11-inch concrete ceiling.

Two large holes were recently cut on the west-facing wall were French doors will be installed, and plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling work are nearly complete, Drilling said.

“We’re making significant progress,” the owner added.

Panther Pub & Eatery is in the process of hiring waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, busers and dishwashers. Those interested can apply online.