The Times West Virginian

October 18, 2009

‘Something’s always going on’ at Winston’s

By Jessica Legge

FAIRMONT — Winston’s Bar & Grill, which is under new ownership, is “a place where something’s always going on.”

Todd Judy runs the business with his fiancée, Becky Dunlap, and his brother, Tyson Judy. The venue is located off Exit 133 — Kingmont Road — of I-79 at 2204 Pleasant Valley Road.

“It’d always been a dream of ours to have our own business, and an opportunity presented itself,” Todd said.

He said Winston’s had developed a good reputation and he, Becky and Tyson wanted to bring that back. They updated the inside of the building, including painting the walls, adding new carpet and cleaning.

The new owners reopened Winston’s Bar & Grill on Aug. 10 after it had been closed for about two months.

“We have something scheduled for every night of the week,” Todd said. “If you come in, it doesn’t matter what day it is — there’s always some kind of entertainment.”

Customers can watch football on Sunday and Monday, listen to live music on Tuesday, and enjoy open mic night on Wednesday. Thursday is ladies night with a DJ, and live entertainment is typically provided on Friday and Saturday.

Some pretty big musical acts have already played at Winston’s and others are scheduled to appear there soon, Todd said. The band Vs. the Earth, out of Baltimore, Md., will play on Oct. 24, and a Halloween party on Oct. 31 will feature the Davisson Brothers Band.

“It’s a casual, laid-back atmosphere,” he said. “I think people come (here) because it’s a good place to relax.”

Winston’s just started offering food and specializes in wings, hamburgers and steak hoagies. Todd said customers have complimented the food, and some have even commented that Winston’s makes the best hamburger they’ve ever had. The owners plan to open for lunch soon and expand the menu.

While Todd and Becky live in Fairmont, Tyson resides in Charleston and helps out with the business venture when he can. Family and friends also lend a hand.

“It seems like we’re doing well,” Todd said of business so far. “Our clientele seems to continue to increase.”

Winston’s Bar & Grill is open from 3 p.m. to around 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 304-363-5046.

E-mail Jessica Legge at jlegge@timeswv.com.