Founding Fathers Closes Sports Bar In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — It kicked off with a kickoff.

With the Philadelphia Eagles playing in the January 2023 NFC Championship Game, Founding Fathers Sports Bar & Grill held its grand opening, hoping to score with sports fans as a prime place to watch games.

But the Street Road sports bar won't make it through this Eagles season.

The business owned by Kenneth Hutchings has closed its doors permanently, catching patrons and township officials off guard.

"Founding Fathers just closed," Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said. "I've known the owner for years."

The mayor said the closure may have been caused by some roof issues at the building on 2900 Street Road.

Founding Fathers opened in January 2023 as Hutchings partnered with David Chiavaroli, a Bensalem resident since 1999.

The sports bar offered games to watch, nightly specials, and a Family Steak Night, where kids ate free.

The restaurant billed itself as being known for "great food, drink, and hospitality in a family-friendly atmosphere."

Food included elevated pub fare with a menu comprised of artfully-crafted burgers and sandwiches, premium steaks and seafood, and shareable appetizers.

The drink menu features local craft beer, creative cocktails, and a wine list. There was also a private room for event space for up to 200 guests.

Residents posting on Bensalem Facebook community pages expressed shock at the closure. But some said they were not surprised, saying that the location has been the spot of several failed businesses.

(Google Maps)