Schools
Bear's Smokehouse To Expand Presence At UConn
Bear's Smokehouse BBQ restaurant will have an even bigger presence at the University of Connecticut in a new plan approved by the trustees.
STORRS, CT — Bear's Smokehouse BBQ restaurant is coming to the food court at the UConn Student Union.
Bear's operates several restaurants along with locations at numerous UConn athletic venues.
The UConn Board of Trustees Wednesday approved a five-year lease with the company to open in the location currently occupied by One Plate, Two Plates. The space will be renovated for Bear's to open early in the spring 2025 semester, according to the proposal.
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"Since opening its first location in 2013, Bear's BBQ has earned the type of name recognition in Connecticut and the Hartford area typically reserved for legacy businesses that have been operating for decades," UConn officials said.
Bear's Smokehouse BBQ is co-owned by Jamie McDonald and Cheryl Antoncic.
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Antoncic, a native of Windsor Locks, and McDonald, a Kansas City native, recognized "an opportunity to bring outstanding Kansas City-style barbecue to Connecticut," UConn officials said.
Bear's restaurants in Connecticut include Windsor, South Windsor and Hartford — and two in Asheville, NC.
Bear's also operates food trucks, a full-service catering division, as well satellite locations at places like Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, and Gampel Pavilion and the Toscano Family Ice Forum at UConn.
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