Varsity Club Expands, Opens New Location

With more than 20 years under her belt in Clearwater and more than 10 in East Lake, Varsity Club owner Jody Mohlar has opened a third location in Trinity.

The decision to open another location came after the business found unheard of success in the area. 

Varsity Club regional manager Drew Bartenope said the plan from day one was to offer a one-of-a-kind family restaurant with the appeal of a relaxing, yet fun sports bar.

According to Bartenope, they have done just that. 

"I always say we're kind of like East Lake's living room," Bartenope told Patch. "We all live in the area, we all know each other and it's just comfortable for everybody."

Varsity Club helps sponsor local sports teams as well as offer a space for team dinners and family celebrations. 

The restaurant also offers work opportunities for local students. Bartenope said he has watched a large number of high school and college students from East Lake work their way through through their education at Varsity Club before moving on.

"I know they're eventually going to leave, but they're good workers and the flow stays steady," Bartenope explained.

Mohlar, an East Lake resident whose two youngsters attend the local high school, said the “Varsity Club is truly a place where most everyone knows each other by name. It’s the only place in East Lake where large groups of teenagers can go after a game and feel welcome."

Daily specials, weekly entertainment and food options to boot are other ingredients to Varsity Club's success.

Varsity Club is home to a fresh menu of appetizers, dinners and desserts. And don't forget the extra large kid's junior varsity menu, which includes spaghetti and meatballs, homemade boneless wings and the "grilled cheesiest" sandwich. 

Currently, the weekly schedule of events runs as follows:

• Monday- happy hour all night, $1 hot dogs
  
• Tuesday- kids eat free
  
• Wednesday- live trivia at 8 p.m.
  
• Thursday- karaoke starts at 8 p.m.
  
• Friday- $2.50 Pinnacles
  
• Saturday- karaoke starts at 8 p.m.
  
• Sunday- $11 buckets