CityView Magazine

36 | July 2020 C omparisons to TV's "Cheers," the gathering place "where everybody knows your name," were inevitable. Credit Gwen and Tim Holtsclaw, owners of Scrub Oaks Contemporary American Pub on Fayetteville's bustling NorthSide. Warmth and caring vibes fill the air from the second you storm in like Norm on a crazy day. Hungry? e thick Angus burgers or $10 lunch specials will satisfy big appetites. irsty? A cold brew, wine or cocktail awaits at the bar, which truly, is the first thing you see upon entering. To their loyal customers, Scrub Oaks – which recently celebrated its 11th anniversary – is so much more than a neighborhood watering hole. It's family. Tim likes to tell the story of a reporter questioning the establishment's concept in the early days: "Is it a sports bar, a casual eatery, an entertainment venue or a fine-dining restaurant 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name …' All-American burgers, cold brews and more satisfy fans of Scrub Oaks on the NorthSide BY JANET GIBSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAT THEW WONDERLY Chef Keith Sanderson takes pride in a menu largely consisting of items that are made in-house. He's passionate about using the freshest possible ingredients to create memorable meals; The popular chicken parmigiana is Tuesday's $10 lunch special; Fried pork chops and mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy, and a salad or vegetable, is the Thursday $10 lunch special – and is available on the main menu; Burgers and brew take center stage at Scrub Oaks. … what exactly is it?" Tim just nodded repeatedly and responded, "Yes." Mostly, Tim and Gwen have succeeded in creating a place that's simply an extension of their nearby home. A haven to kick back and relax, engage in lively conversation with loved ones, maybe play a game of trivia, listen to great music. And, of course, enjoy hearty food and beverages. To reinforce the family affair, their two grandsons work in the kitchen and as waiters. Even the restaurant's name harkens back to the neighborhood. Tim, who didn't want to settle for predictable, was inspired by a tree that stood out at the King's Grant golf course during a particularly vivid sunset. To him, the scrub oak symbolizes life's possibilities – from scrappy to sublime. e menu also has its sweet surprises – from an appetizer of pork rinds with boom-boom dipping sauce, to an entrée GOOD EATS

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