The newest Bridgeport restaurant with a unique set up has opened its doors. And it is in a familiar location to many in the city and beyond.

 

The GOAT West Virginia Pub, a West Virginia University-focused sports bar and restaurant, got its start last week, according to Owner Bron Kayal.

 

What makes it unique is that it serves as the first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) bar, supporting West Virginia University athletics. The first GOAT Pub opened in Morgantown at the Suncrest Towne Centre in the fall of 2024.

 

Now, they have brought the same successful business recipe to Charles Pointe. The new business is situated in the building the formerly housed Meagher’s Irish Pub.

 

To get ready for the opening, the restaurant held a “stress test” that began last Monday, August 24, and continued until Wednesday of this week with family and friends of staff on board. The opening came shortly after.

 

“We don’t do a soft opening; we do a solid opening. We turn the open sign on and let people trickle in and, once word gets out, we’ll have our crowd that we hope to become regulars,” said Kayal.

 

Back in March, Kayal talked about how the NIL part of the restaurant works in the new collegiate athletic environment. He noted that part of the revenue earned goes toward WVU athletics. That concept has worked in Morgantown, and now they’re bringing the same concept – and second restaurant – to Bridgeport.

 

The restaurant features food that Kayal said back in March, with a laugh, “is not revolutionary.” He pointed to it being a lot of standard fare you will find in most pubs or sports-bar type of restaurants. Kayal said there will be burgers, wings, plenty of appetizers and more that you would find in similar venues. However, there is one thing he said locals and visitors should find appealing.

 

Everything, he said, is made from scratch. And the ingredients, he added are high quality.

 

Since it is a pub, there is a full-service bar in place. Kayal said there is Swill Dog Bourbon, which he said also does a revenue share with WVU athletics, as well as other West Virginia-based bourbons and drinks. There will also be plenty of draft beers including the high-selling Country Roads Lager. Kayal said back in March when it was first learned the restaurant was coming that there will be multiple West Virginia-based beers on tap.

 

As part of the NIL arrangement, you can expect to occasionally see shows and events at the Bridgeport location that feature WVU student athletes as well as coaches and administrators. Kayal said in “three to four weeks” they plan to do a grand opening and bring in athletes from WVU, perhaps men’s basketball Coach Ross Hodge and Athletic Director Wren Baker.

 

Initially, the hope was to be open in June. But the timeline did not work.

 

“We hit a couple of snags construction wise. When you do a rehab of an existing location and do demo and get into it, you sometimes find it needs a more work,” said Kayal. “We’re a month and a half behind, but in the bigger scheme that’s not terrible because you want everything to be correct when those doors open.”

 

Kayal also had high praise for the City of Bridgeport and the community.

 

“The City of Bridgeport has been phenomenal to work with … The city, the community has opened its arms and assisted us with the processes and needs along the way,” said Kayal. “We feel good about the jump with our second restaurant. Morgantown and Bridgeport are the same community, and we already see a lot of people that come from Bridgeport that are our guests in Morgantown.”

 

The restaurant will have regular specials, including Happy Hour drink and food specials throughout the week. Kayal said everything is set up to allow for an enjoyable time.

 

“We believe in giving people good experiences and options that won’t break the bank and provide the best bang for your buck,” he said.

 

The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. After 30 days, Kayal said brunch will begin to be served on Sundays.

 

The address is 26 Betten Court, #101, Bridgeport, WV, United States, 26330.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Owner Bron Kayal behind the bar just prior to opening day. Next photo shows one of the seating areas, while the third photo is the exterior. Bottom photo is one of several food items you'll be able to choose from their menu. All photos of food used with this provided by Kayal.